Washington, November 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
New York State and Toronto have formally recognised Diwali on November 8, honouring the contributions of South Asian communities, as political leaders across the United States and Canada extended festive greetings and joined community celebrations.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a proclamation on October 26, designating November 8 as Diwali – “The Festival of Lights”. India’s Consulate in New York shared a photograph of the proclamation on Saturday and thanked her for recognising the contributions of Indian Americans.
The proclamation describes Diwali as “a deeply meaningful annual observance” celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists worldwide. It also acknowledges the “leadership and civic contributions” of New York’s celebrating communities, including South Asian and Indo-Caribbean residents.
In Toronto, Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed November 8 as “Diwali Day” on behalf of the city council. The declaration recognises the “longstanding cultural, social, economic and civic contributions of South Asian communities in Toronto”, reflecting the city’s motto, “Diversity Our Strength”. Toronto has also designated November as Hindu Heritage Month.
In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with Hindu and Sikh communities in Calgary on Saturday. In a post on X, she thanked the Hindu Society of Calgary and Dashmesh Culture Centre Calgary for organising the celebrations.
Canada’s Treasury Board President and Brampton MP Shafqat Ali shared a post about visiting Hindu Sabha Temple with Foreign Minister Anita Anand. He described the celebration as reflecting the values of light, hope, unity and the triumph of good over evil.
Anand had celebrated Diwali on Parliament Hill on October 28 alongside colleague Gary Anandasangaree. Recalling her family traditions, she wrote, “From small-town Nova Scotia to the heart of Canada’s democracy, seeing the traditions I grew up with celebrated here is especially touching,”.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford highlighted charitable giving in an October 24 post about attending the Trillium Diwali Gala in support of Trillium Health Partners.
In the United States, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro extended greetings to Hindu, Jain and Sikh residents celebrating Diwali, Tihar and Bandi Chhor Divas. Congressman Frank Pallone of New Jersey expressed solidarity with the Hindu community, while Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin wished people celebrating across her state and the country peace, hope and happiness.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein’s proclamation designated November 8 as Diwali and October as Hindu Heritage Month. Signed on September 25, it recognised the contributions of Indian Americans to the state’s economy, history and culture.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson also proclaimed November 8 as Diwali and highlighted a celebration held at the Legislative Building with the Indian Consulate and state Senator Manka Dhingra. In Monroe, Mayor Patsy Cudaback issued a proclamation recognising November 8 as Diwali – The Festival of Lights Day.
In Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown shared a personal Diwali moment, posting about shopping for sweets at India Taste on Ray Lawson Boulevard and praising his friend Ranjit Singh for organising festive displays.
Meanwhile, Calgary authorities combined their Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas greetings with a fire safety advisory. Fire Marshal Glenn Baxter reminded residents that personal fireworks are prohibited in the city and encouraged them to celebrate with safely lit diyas, festive decorations and community events.
Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhist communities, with religious meanings and traditions varying across communities. Lighting lamps, sharing sweets and gathering with family and friends are common features of the celebrations.
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