Diwali celebrations make history across US Pacific Northwest
The celebrations, which began in mid-October, will culminate on 10 November, when the Governor of Oregon is scheduled to host the final ceremony at the State Capitol in Salem. At the Idaho State Capitol on October 16, Governor Brad Little said, “Here in Idaho, we’re proud to have a vibrant Indian community that contributes very much to our state through their businesses, professions, service and civic involvement. At the Governor’s Residence in Bismarck on October 29, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong highlighted the enduring ties between the two communities, saying: “We should celebrate these relationships.
Speaking at the Nebraska Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln on October 20, Governor Jim Pillen described the Indian community as “an incredibly vital piece of who we are as the people of Nebraska”, urging families to preserve their cultural traditions. Never, ever, ever let the light go out!” he said. And we have seen this community contribute so much to our state,” he said.
Governors of Idaho, Nebraska, Montana, North Dakota and Washington have hosted first-of-their-kind Diwali celebrations at their respective governors’ mansions and state capitol rotundas, attended by US Senators, members of the US Congress, local mayors and prominent Indian-American community leaders. Indian Americans help strengthen Idaho’s economy and help our communities be better places to live, work and raise a family. “It’s really important that you keep these traditions alive in your families. We should celebrate these friendships. Diversity is our strength… He added that the partnership would continue to grow across international, trade, state-to-state and diplomatic engagements, but, above all, at the human level. “We are proud to be home to one of the largest shares of Indian Americans in the country. And during the previous decade, we had the fastest growing Indian American population in the entire country.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson, addressing the gathering at the State Capitol Rotunda in Olympia on Wednesday, highlighted the remarkable growth of the Indian-American population in the state and its contributions.