Los Angeles Mayor-elect Nithya Raman used the city’s 2026 Diwali celebration to highlight the cultural diversity of the city, the contributions of Indian Americans and the growing relationship between Los Angeles and India ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Speaking at the Los Angeles City Council’s Diwali presentation, Raman described the festival as one of her favorite holidays and said the occasion carried added significance because it was her final Diwali presentation as a council member and her first as mayor-elect.
“Diwali is my favorite holiday, and seeing this chamber so full of joy is one of my favorite mornings of the year,” Raman said. The event brought together members of the Indian American community, city officials and India’s Consul General in Los Angeles, K. J. Srinivasa. Council Member John Lee also addressed the gathering.
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Raman emphasized that Diwali is celebrated differently across India and South Asia, reflecting distinct religious traditions and regional customs. Referring to her roots in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, she said families in southern India celebrate Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, while many in northern India mark the festival by lighting lamps to welcome Lord Ram back to Ayodhya.
She also acknowledged Sikh families observing Bandi Chhor Divas, noting that different stories, foods, songs and prayers come together during the festival.
‘Our diversity is the best thing about this city’
Connecting Diwali with Los Angeles’ multicultural identity, Raman said the city had recently celebrated Día de los Muertos and would soon mark Hanukkah, Lunar New Year and Christmas. “Our diversity isn’t just something we put up with. It is the best thing about this city,” she said. “It is what makes this city so magical.”
She also encouraged people from different backgrounds to participate in cultural celebrations, including wearing traditional clothing, singing songs and sharing food.
“If you want to be part of us, welcome. Sing the songs, dance the dances, wear the clothes, eat the food,” Raman said. Her remarks underscored an inclusive approach to cultural celebrations, with the mayor-elect describing Los Angeles as a city where every culture should have an opportunity to shine.
Raman seeks stronger Los Angeles-India ties
Raman also highlighted the role of India’s Consulate General in Los Angeles, which opened a year earlier under Consul General K. J. Srinivasa.
She credited Srinivasa with building relationships across the region, including with senior citizens, cultural organizations and business leaders. The consulate serves Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.
According to Raman, the diplomatic mission has helped strengthen connections between Los Angeles and India in trade, technology and culture.
She also raised the prospect of a direct flight between Los Angeles and India, drawing laughter from the audience as she asked Srinivasa whether the route was yet available.
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“That layover is killer,” she said, referring to the inconvenience travelers face between the two destinations. Raman said the consulate had become a long-awaited home for many Indian American families in Los Angeles and said she would like to continue the partnership when she takes office.
Indian Consul General congratulates Raman
Srinivasa congratulated Raman on her election and described her achievement as a reflection of the opportunities available in Los Angeles. “On behalf of India, the consulate general and a vibrant Indian American community, I want to extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes,” he said.
He highlighted the contributions of Indian Americans across technology, medicine, entrepreneurship, education, hospitality and Hollywood, saying their work strengthens both American society and ties between the two countries. Srinivasa also pointed to opportunities for cooperation in innovation, investment, education, technology, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
With Los Angeles preparing to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, he said the event could create opportunities to deepen India-Los Angeles cooperation through sports, tourism, business and cultural diplomacy. He specifically mentioned cricket’s return to the Olympic program after more than a century, describing it as another opportunity to strengthen the relationship.
Diwali celebration brings city officials and community together
Council Member John Lee, who joined the presentation, described Diwali as a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and hope over despair.
He also acknowledged the Indian Association of Los Angeles for more than 25 years of work bringing communities together through cultural events and celebrations in the San Fernando Valley. The presentation concluded with Raman inviting attendees to raise and light their diyas together. The city also presented Srinivasa with a plaque and a resolution recognizing Diwali 2026.
The celebration highlighted the growing visibility of the Indian American community in Los Angeles as the city prepares for a new mayoral administration and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.