Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller host Maryland’s annual Diwali celebration at the Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis on Oct. 23, 2025. / Lalit K Jha

In a symbolic gesture of inclusion and renewal, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller opened the doors of the Governor’s Mansion in Annapolis for a Diwali celebration that brought together leaders from across the state’s growing South Asian community.

Held under the warm chandeliers of Government House, the annual Festival of Lights honoured the state’s diverse faiths and cultures while underscoring Diwali’s enduring message of light prevailing over darkness.

“Diwali teaches us that light has the power to drive out darkness, knowledge to dispel ignorance, and compassion to overcome division,” said Dr Ahmed Nawaz, Vice Chair of the Governor’s Commission on South Asian Affairs, opening the evening with a note of gratitude to Governor Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore.

Faiths, heritage, and Maryland’s mosaic

Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, the nation’s first Indian American to hold statewide office in Maryland, delivered a deeply personal address — part reflection, part call for pride.

“This country allows the culture of all lands to blow freely, yet gives us the strength to remain rooted in who we are,” she said, recalling a childhood memory of her mother draping a sari in her brother’s New York classroom. This simple act became a local sensation. “Never let anyone tell you that you don’t belong here. We belong here. This is our country.”

She spoke of Diwali as both a celebration and a meditation — a reminder to “light the lamps within us,” praising the teachers, physicians, and first responders who bring that light to others each day.

“Diwali’s divine light doesn’t belong to one religion or one tradition,” she said. “It’s within each of us — it’s you and me.”

Governor Moore: ‘Light will lead us through’

Governor Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor, hailed the South Asian community for embodying “the spirit of light over darkness.”

“The only way we combat darkness is with light,” he said to applause. “There’s nothing that shakes darkness more than the introduction of light.”

Calling Lieutenant Governor Miller “a human Diwali — a universal festival of lights,” Moore praised her as a role model for children who “realise anything is possible” when they meet her.

He linked the festival’s theme of hope to the uncertainties many families face today. “I know these times are challenging,” Moore said. “But what do we reach for in darkness? Light. Because light leads us out — and through.”

The governor highlighted Maryland’s “beautiful mosaic” of cultures — naming Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepali, Sri Lankan, and Bhutanese Americans — as “the fingerprints that make this state so special.”

Community leadership and inclusion

In his remarks, Gurpreet “Preet” Takhar, Chair of the Maryland Commission on South Asian American Affairs, thanked the Moore–Miller administration for its “inclusive and caring light that leaves no one behind.”

“We have seen the spirit of Diwali shine through in action,” Takhar said, citing expanded opportunities for federal workers, free public transportation, and efforts to protect immigrant and underserved communities.

Commission members recognised state leaders, including Secretary of State Susan Lee, Commission Member Dr Bishal Bhandari, and Secretary of Higher Education Dr Sanjay Rai, for their continued partnership.

Representatives from Maryland’s South Asian business and cultural sectors — including restaurateurs and event organisers who helped stage the reception — were also acknowledged for their support.

Traditions, unity, and proclamation

A speaker from the commission outlined the festival’s diverse meanings across Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions — from Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya to Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment and Lord Mahavira’s enlightenment — underscoring Diwali’s message of freedom, reflection, and renewal.

Governor Moore concluded the evening by presenting an official Diwali Proclamation recognising the Indian American community’s “significant civic, cultural, and economic contributions” to Maryland.

“The darkness will not win,” he said, raising the scroll as guests rose to their feet. “The light will.”

As the speeches ended, guests formed a line for photos with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the scent of marigolds mingling with cardamom from the buffet — an Annapolis evening glowing with gratitude and quiet pride.