Atlanta City Hall Diwali Celebration Highlights Community Contributions

India-West Staff Reporter

ATLANTA, GA – Atlanta City Hall glowed with the lights of Diwali as Mayor Andre Dickens joined the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) for the third annual celebration of the festival of lights on October 20.

The event drew a host of dignitaries, including State Senators Jason Esteves and Emanuel Jones, House Representatives Esther Panitch and Matt Reeves, and Consul General of India at Atlanta, Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan. The evening opened with the ceremonial lighting of the Diwali lamp by Mayor Dickens and community leaders, symbolizing light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

A key moment was the presentation of the Diwali Proclamation to CoHNA’s Board of Directors, recognizing both the festival and the Hindu community’s contributions to Atlanta. CoHNA vice president and co-founder Rajeev Menon praised the city’s growing embrace of Diwali.

Attendees were treated to video greetings from Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp, who extended best wishes for the festival.

The program featured classical dance and musical performances, alongside remarks from lawmakers who pledged continued support for the community.

CoHNA board member Suresh Krishnamoorthy addressed rising Hinduphobia, urging officials to reject false narratives portraying Hindu Americans as unpatriotic or extremists. “We must ensure that prejudice does not overshadow the contributions of our community,” he said.