On Monday, November 20, 2023, members of the California State Senate and Assembly and prominent members of the Hindu & Indian American communities gathered to celebrate the festival of Diwali at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights and is the most widely celebrated festival in India. It signifies the triumph of good over evil celebrated by Hindu, Jain, and Sikh faiths. This was the third time in its history that Diwali was celebrated at the California State Capitol.
BAPS organized this event by partnering with Assemblymember Ash Kalra, Assemblymember Alex Lee, Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains and Senator Dave Cortese. The Chief Clerk of the California State Assembly Sue Parker was also in attendance. The festival was celebrated with an annakut, an offering of traditional, vegetarian dishes to the sacred images of God.
The event was a unifying opportunity to celebrate Diwali in the state's capitol, where attendees had the chance to reflect on the universal messages of Diwali, while also increasing awareness about the Hindu & Indian American community and interfaith harmony. Additionally, attendees had valuable interactions enhancing the event's impact and significance.