On October 28, Mayor Andre Dickens hosted a Diwali celebration at City Hall, with the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA). More than 250 guests attended the celebration including Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA), Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), and Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne (R-TX). Also attending were the Consul General of India, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, and Deputy Consul of Bahamas, Tyson McKenzie.
Mayor Dickens lit the traditional Diwali lamp to inaugurate the celebrations characterized by art, lights, food, and musical performances. A highlight of the evening was the Atlanta City Council’s Proclamation honoring Diwali, read aloud by City Council President Doug Shipman.
“You continue to make a major impact on this region’s culture and economy. You have established successful businesses, created cultural centers that educate and inspire, and you are actively engaged in the community,” said Mayor Dickens. “You are our teachers, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, developers and more, and you are helping to shape the future of Atlanta in every field.”
The celebrations also capped off the celebration of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Georgia, as announced last year by Governor Brian Kemp.