Atlanta's Third Annual Diwali Celebration: A Night of Light and Unity at City Hall

On October 21, 2025, the vibrant and joyful festival of Diwali illuminated Atlanta City Hall during its third annual celebration, hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens in partnership with the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). The event marked a significant occasion for celebrating Hindu culture, community solidarity, and shared values, bringing together a diverse audience of lawmakers, educators, diplomats, and residents.

Setting the Stage for Cultural Pride

The evening commenced with the traditional lighting of the Diwali lamp by Mayor Dickens alongside community leaders, symbolizing the festival’s core tenets of light conquering darkness and knowledge triumphing over ignorance. Mayor Dickens expressed his honor and excitement in celebrating such a cherished festival with over a billion people globally. He emphasized the timeless message of Diwali: that light must overcome dark, knowledge should defeat ignorance, and good must prevail over evil.

Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed classical dance performances and musical acts, which not only entertained but also celebrated the rich tapestry of Hindu traditions. Among the prominent attendees were State Senators Jason Esteves and Emanuel Jones, along with House Representatives Esther Panitch and Matt Reeves. The Consul General of India, Shri Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, also graced the event with his presence, underscoring the global importance of Diwali.

A Heartfelt Proclamation

A highlight of the festivities was the official Diwali Proclamation presented by Mayor Dickens to the CoHNA Board of Directors. This recognition underscored the contributions of the Hindu community in Atlanta and the significance of Diwali in the broader cultural landscape. Rajeev Menon, Vice President and co-founder of CoHNA, extended gratitude towards Mayor Dickens and the lawmakers for their unwavering support and expressed hope that the ever-growing celebration of Diwali reflects shared human values such as hope, renewal, and community.

Messages of Support from State Leaders

The celebration also featured a surprise greeting via video from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, who conveyed their warm wishes to the attendees for joy and success during the festival. This gesture showcased the government’s embrace of cultural diversity and inclusion.

Rep. Esther Panitch made poignant remarks connecting the themes of Diwali with those of Hanukkah, highlighting their shared celebration of light overcoming darkness. She articulated that these aren’t merely metaphors but rather commitments to nurturing each other and acknowledging the luminous power of community.

Addressing Challenging Narratives

In his speech, Suresh Krishnamoorthy, a CoHNA Board member, brought attention to the rising instances of Hinduphobia and called for unity among politicians to oppose false narratives targeting Hindu Americans. His message resonated deeply among attendees, reinforcing the need for solidarity against misrepresentations.

Shobha Swamy, CoHNA's General Secretary, concluded the night with heartfelt thanks for the strong community spirit in Atlanta and the Mayor’s continued partnership in creating a more inclusive society. She emphasized the city's role as a beacon for other communities across the nation in fostering cultural appreciation.

Celebrating Hindu Heritage Month

This year’s Diwali celebration is part of a larger initiative in Georgia to honor Hindu Heritage Month, highlighted by numerous events across the state, from school exhibits to community fairs. The growing recognition of Diwali as an official holiday in several U.S. states, including California, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, reflects the increasing acknowledgement of the festival's significance.

Diwali symbolizes the eternal triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, represented by festive decorations and gatherings among people from all walks of life. As the celebration comes to a close, the call to recognize and honor diverse cultures remains relevant, fostering community spirit and engendering mutual respect.

To learn more about Diwali, visit Diwali.day, a collaborative project by CoHNA and Google that aims to educate and celebrate this enchanting festival.

About CoHNA

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) is dedicated to advocating for the Hindu community and enhancing the understanding of Hindu heritage in North America. Through educational initiatives and community engagement, CoHNA aims to build a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity and unity.