Incorporated in 1879, the Town of Matthews is a historic landmark and home to over 30,000 citizens. For the first time in its 140 year history, Diwali was celebrated in the Matthews Town Hall. On October 23, 2019, Mayor of Matthews, local council members and dozens of prominent Indian-Americans gathered for this historic Diwali celebration. The event was organized and hosted by the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Matthews, NC in conjunction with Matthews Cultural Diversity Council.
The celebration began with a prayer for world peace. Youths from BAPS spoke on the importance of Diwali and what it meant to them, followed by a colorful video presentation on BAPS and BAPS Charities. In parallel, Mr. Paul Bailey, Mayor of Matthews, and Mrs. Natisha Rivera-Patrick, Matthews Cultural Diversity Council Chairman, spoke about building a better community and their positive interactions with BAPS. Finally, Mayor Bailey wished the audience a very Happy Diwali and a Happy New Year and officially presented the Town of Matthews Proclamation in Recognition of Diwali. The event concluded with a traditional exchange of sweets to celebrate the New Year.