On Nov 1, 2024, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited the Bharatiya Temple in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to celebrate Diwali, which is one of the most important holidays of the year amongst South Asians that is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists around the world. The governor participated in a diya lighting ceremony before receiving a blessing and delivering brief informal remarks.
Governor Walz extended his best wishes for a prosperous and peaceful Diwali. He also highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ plan to chart a New Way Forward, lower costs for South Asian American families, and make it easier to start a small business, build wealth and achieve homeownership.
Governor Walz was greeted by Montgomery County Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Elections, Neil Makhija – who is the first Asian American County Commissioner in Pennsylvania's history across all 67 counties. Governor Walz was also greeted by Atul Sangal, Board Member and Secretary of the Bharatiya Temple as well as Priest Sri Seshasai Rompicharla.
(All Photos provided by Harris-Walz campaign)
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the White House has hosted its largest Diwali celebrations ever, and Vice President Kamala Harris has hosted her own Diwali celebrations at the vice president’s residence as recently as 2023.
Governor Tim Walz in his remarks said, "Happy Diwali to everyone. It’s a privilege for me to be with you on this special day, a privilege to stand amongst you. You can feel the sense of community here. You can feel the sense of love. You can feel the sense that there is something bigger than all of us. The next five days, I wish you all calmness and peace, and […] it is a privilege of my lifetime to be on this ticket with the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris. I know that in Pennsylvania, as well as Minnesota, the Indian and South Asian community is so much a fabric of our state and who we are. I do want to thank these legislators and Governor [Josh] Shapiro for recognizing and making Diwali officially a holiday [in Pennsylvania]. It matters.
I hope you all find peace, find calm, and save a little energy to celebrate next Wednesday morning."
