New York Governor Proclaims November 8 as Diwali Day 2026; Indian Consulate Thanks Her
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a proclamation designating November 8 as Diwali Day 2026, honoring the contributions of the South Asian community to New York State. The proclamation was signed on October 26, and the Consulate General of India in New York shared it on social media on November 7, thanking Hochul for recognizing the contributions of Indian Americans.
The proclamation describes Diwali as a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists that symbolizes light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, and praises the leadership and civic contributions of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean New Yorkers. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of South Asia's most important traditional festivals; New York City public schools have observed it as a school holiday since 2023. Toronto, Canada, issued a similar proclamation recognizing November 8 as Diwali Day.
Source: Sambad English
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 排灯节油灯（资料图）。（Lalturadipur 摄，经 Wikimedia Commons）
