Indian Americans celebrate Diwali at Minnesota State Capitol with the Lieutenant Governor

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October 15, 2024, marked a historic moment for Indian Americans in Minnesota when the Association of Indians in America, AIA-Minnesota, celebrated Diwali at the State Capito in St. Paul, MN, with Lt. Governor Peggy Flannigan.

According to organizers, this marks the second celebration in two years, putting the State on track to institutionalizing DIWALI celebration as an annual event at the State Capitol.

The celebration began with the recitation of opening prayers by Chief Priest Murali Bhattarji of the Hindu Society of Minnesota (HSMN). A bhajan of Lord Rama was sung by Shruti Rajasekar, with the audience joining in.

Siddhi Tantry, a junior at Wayzata High School, performed a traditional Indian classical dance. Several other high schoolers also attended the event and volunteered their time, a press release said.

“We need to encourage and engage our children in important community events and prepare the next generation to lead,” said Vallabha Tantry, who was the AIA coordinator of Minnesota State Diwali function

Among others, guests included leaders from the Hindu Society of Minnesota, BAPS, India Association of Minnesota (IAM), and the Jain Community Center making it a very inclusive celebration. Leaders from the business, arts and music, and community-at-large gathered for the event.

Minnesota State Representatives Kristin Robbins and Ginny Klevorn, and other public officials welcomed guests and expressed enthusiasm for having the opportunity to celebrate Diwali with the Hindu community. They lauded the contributions of Indian Americans, who number more than 40,000 in the state.

Lt. Governor Flannigan said, “As a parent, I know that creating a better place for our young people, that it is vitally important to ensure that our youngest people know about our family stories, their traditions, their identity, and they take pride in that identity and can celebrate their heritage.”

Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic Party nominee for Vice President, issued a special Proclamation declaring October as The Hindu Heritage Month. The proclamation acknowledges the millions of Hindu, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhist followers living in the United States and the vibrant Indian community in Minnesota. It highlights the contributions made by Indian Americans in various fields, including science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, technology, culture, and sports.

Lt. Governor Flannigan was joined by AIA Coordinator Vallabha Tantry, State Representatives Kristin Robbins and Ginny Klevorn, as well as the chairman of the Hindu Society of Minnesota, Ganesh Ram, to light the traditional Diya.

Expressing pride in the Diwali celebration at the State Capitol in Minnesota, Govind Munjal, AIA National President said, “We remain committed to working with community leaders all across the country to support cultural activities like Diwali that bring happiness and joy to all Americans.”

Vallabha Tantry and Gopal Khanna representing the Association of Indians in America (AIA) in Minnesota worked with the governor’s office in bringing Diwali to the State Capitol for the second year.

Gopal Khanna, former National Vice President of the Association of Indians in America (AIA) said “AIA national continues to work in furthering its motto – “Indian Heritage and American commitment.

“The historic Diwali celebration at the Minnesota State Capitol serves as a reminder of the values of unity, cultural appreciation, and religious freedom that make Minnesota a welcoming and inclusive state,” said Vallabha Tantry, coordinator of the event.

The vote of thanks for the event was delivered by Aditi Jha, a sophomore at Edina High School.