FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., signed a new proclamation on Thursday to formally recognize November as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month in the Commonwealth.

“As a kid growing up, it was all about the fireworks,” said Poojan Patel, 20, a Kentucky National Guard member. “But then, growing up and having the Diwali every year, it was more about like the family reunions and the get-togethers and the times we had together at home. It was mainly about family.”

Family, unity, hope and joy drew Indian-American Kentuckians to Frankfort.

“Diwali is at its core about light — the light that we find within ourselves, and the light that we share with each other,” said State Rep. Nima Kulkarni, D-Louisville. 

Diwali is a five-day celebration called the Festival of Lights.

“So I am incredibly proud and humbled as I look around this room to be here with you together in the people’s house. In our house,” Kulkarni said while addressing an audience of 50 or more people. “Each of us belongs here. And each of us adds light to the space that we share.”

Hindu, Jain and Sikh people across the globe celebrate Diwali.

“I also want to congratulate BAPS on 50 years of spiritual leadership. That is really amazing,” said Beshear. “I was honored to join in the first Diwali celebration at our state capitol last year, and this year we’re making it two years in a row. We’ll do this as long as I’m governor. And you see, we’ve got bipartisan support and appreciation here to celebrate this community and Diwali. Let’s thank all of our constitutional officers who are here with us.” 

This is the second year celebrating Diwali at the state capitol.

The holiday follows the Hindu lunar calendar and often falls between the middle of October and the middle of November.