PHOTO RELEASE: Governor Hogan Joins Maryland’s Indian Community Leaders to Celebrate Diwali

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan last evening joined Maryland’s Indian community leaders to celebrate Diwali. Together with the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, they gathered to celebrate the annual Indian “Festival of Lights” at Government House.

“One of Maryland’s greatest strengths comes from embracing our diversity,” said Governor Hogan. “We are pleased to welcome the celebration of Diwali as a time to wish for prosperity and to celebrate together that light will always prevail over darkness.”

Numerous faiths celebrate Diwali over the course of five days in autumn, following the summer harvest. During the celebration, communities come together to offer prayers, perform acts of charity, light candles, and enjoy food together. The official celebration of Diwali this year will begin in the evening on October 22 and will end in the evening on October 26.

According to the 2019 American Community Survey, approximately 105,000 individuals of Indian descent live in Maryland. During Diwali, the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives participates in celebrations and acknowledges the strong contribution of the Indian community in Maryland to business, community development, and public service. 

Since 2015, the Interfaith Outreach component of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives has worked to build interfaith partnerships to foster communication and collaboration in an effort to build a stronger Maryland. The office works with myriad faith leaders and organizations to address community-based needs at the grassroots level.