The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors in Virginia has issued an official proclamation recognizing Diwali, the Indian festival of lights and announcing a public celebration on Oct. 25
The resolution was co-sponsored by Virginia’s Indian American Senator Kannan Srinivasan and Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony who was elected in November 2023 to represent the Little River District.
Srinivasan, who represents Virginia’s 32nd District, shared his participation in the initiative, stating, “As Diwali approaches on Oct. 20 this year, I was proud to join co-sponsor Supervisor Laura TeKrony as the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors marked an official proclamation to celebrate the joyous Hindu festival of lights. May good always triumph over evil!
READ: California becomes third US state to recognize Diwali as holiday (
“Diwali serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that light and goodness will always triumph over darkness and evil,” TeKrony wrote on social media.
Diwali is one of Loudoun’s largest cultural observances for the county’s Indian American residents, who organizers said are active across schools, businesses, nonprofits and volunteer networks.
Speakers described volunteer efforts that prepare events and encouraged cross-cultural participation; the board and attendees took photos after the proclamation.
Board members thanked organizers and noted the proclamation is community-initiated and requires local leadership to bring forward.
READ: Festival of India becomes Maryland’s largest Indian cultural celebration (
The proclamation continues an established tradition in Loudoun County. In 2024, the Board approved a similar resolution recognizing Diwali, citing both the cultural heritage and contributions of Indian American community members to the county.
Previous proclamations have noted that Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, and typically includes the lighting of lamps (diyas), festive decorations, prayers, and community gatherings.
Beyond Loudoun County, official recognition of Diwali is gaining momentum across the United States. This year, California declared Diwali a state holiday, becoming the third state to do so after Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
The new law allows public schools to close and permits state employees to take the day off in observance of the festival.