Los Angeles–The Los Angeles City Hall came alive with color and light as members of the Indian diaspora joined city officials and the Consulate General of India to celebrate Diwali, underscoring cultural harmony and the deepening friendship between India and the United States.
The event featured the lighting of traditional lamps, music and dance performances, and the presentation of a special Diwali proclamation.
India’s new Consul General in Los Angeles, K.J. Srinivasa, was officially welcomed by City Council members Nithya Raman, John Lee, and Tim McOsker, with former Los Angeles Mayor and current U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti also in attendance.
“For the first time ever, Los Angeles City Hall was lit up to celebrate Diwali, symbolizing light, hope, and unity,” the Indian Consulate in Los Angeles posted on X. “It is a proud moment of recognition for the Indo-American community and a testament to our partnership and cultural harmony.”
Addressing the gathering, Consul General Srinivasa called the occasion “a historic celebration in an iconic city.” He said the lighting of City Hall in honor of Diwali “deeply touched the hearts of millions of Indians and friends of India around the world,” adding that the festival represents “the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.”
Srinivasa praised Los Angeles as “a city that embraces all cultures and celebrates their contributions,” noting that the Indian American community has become “an integral part of the city’s social and economic fabric” through its hard work and innovation.
“As we light the ceremonial lamps today to symbolize our collective aspiration for peace, harmony, and prosperity, we also reaffirm the growing bonds of friendship between India and the United States and between the people of India and Los Angeles,” he said.
He added that the spirit of Diwali should continue to “inspire us to build bridges of understanding and to illuminate the path of progress for all.” (Source: IANS)
