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Atlanta hosts third annual Diwali celebration with CoHNA
The event marked the continuing recognition of the Hindu festival in the city’s civic calendar and brought together state lawmakers, diplomats, and community representatives.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 21, Oct 2025
- 14:06 EDT
- 21
Third annual Diwali celebration / CoHNA
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) hosted the third annual Diwali celebration at the city hall on Oct. 20
The event marked the continuing recognition of the Hindu festival in the city’s civic calendar and brought together state lawmakers, diplomats, and community representatives.
Also Read: US lawmakers extend Diwali wishes to American Hindus
Among those present were State Senators Jason Esteves and Emanuel Jones, Representatives Esther Panitch and Matt Reeves, and Consul General of India in Atlanta Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan.
The third annual Diwali celebration at @CityofAtlanta was an evening of joy, unity, collaboration, and a tribute to the contributions of Hindu Americans to the greater Atlanta region. Culturally rich performances filled the atmosphere, complemented by delicious food, captivating… pic.twitter.com/CyS7WqrIHU
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) October 21, 2025
The program began with the traditional lighting of the Diwali lamp by Mayor Dickens and community leaders.
In his remarks, Mayor Dickens said he was honored to join Atlanta residents and “over a billion people around the world” in celebrating one of the world’s most cherished festivals. Emphasizing Diwali’s message, he said that “light has to win over darkness; knowledge has to be victorious over ignorance and good has to triumph over evil.”
A key moment of the evening was the presentation of a Diwali Proclamation by Mayor Dickens to the CoHNA board of directors, formally recognizing the festival and the contributions of the Hindu community to the Atlanta region.
CoHNA vice president and co-founder Rajeev Menon said, “Every year, we see Atlanta’s embrace of Diwali grow stronger. This festival and the Proclamation remind us that celebrating our faith is also about celebrating shared human values—hope, renewal, and community.”
The event also featured video greetings from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, who extended wishes for peace, success, and joy to the community.
Lawmakers attending the event underlined the importance of inclusion and mutual respect. Representative Esther Panitch drew parallels between Diwali and Hanukkah, observing that both festivals “celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and the miracle of light.”
She added, “These aren’t just metaphors and old stories. They are promises that we make to each other and the world that small flames, when tended to with care, can illuminate entire communities.”
CoHNA board member Suresh Krishnamoorthy highlighted concerns over the mischaracterization of Hindu Americans, saying, “We must reject the framing of Hindu Americans from the right and left, either as unpatriotic Americans or as supporters of a theocracy and genocide against non-Hindus.”
In her closing remarks, CoHNA general secretary Shobha Swamy said, “Atlanta has truly set an example for cities nationwide by making space for diverse voices. We are grateful for the Mayor’s partnership and the incredible community spirit that defines this city.”
The evening featured classical dance and music performances and was part of the broader Hindu Heritage Month observances in Georgia, which include community fairs, school exhibits, and educational events.
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