Walz met with Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija and priests with the temple to celebrate Diwali.
Governor Tim Walz visited the Bharatiya Temple in Montgomery Township in a surprise stop Thursday to celebrate Diwali, the “Festival of Lights.” Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Beginning Thursday and concluding Saturday, this is one of the most important holidays of the year amongst South Asians and is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.
Upon arrival, Governor Walz greeted Montgomery County Commissioner and Chair of the Board of Elections Neil Makhija. Makhija is the first Asian-American County Commissioner in Pennsylvania's history across all 67 counties.
In addition, Governor Walz met with Atul Sangal, board member and secretary of the Bharatiya Temple, and Priest Sri Seshasai Rompicharla.
(Credit: Tom Sofield)
(Credit: Tom Sofield)Walz lit a diya before receiving a blessing and delivering brief informal remarks.
During his remarks, Walz extended his best wishes for a prosperous and peaceful Diwali. He also highlighted Vice President Harris and his commitment to chart a New Way Forward and their plans to lower costs for South Asian American families, make it easier for them to start a small business, support them in attaining homeownership, building wealth, and ensuring safety and justice for all Asian American communities.
(Credit: Tom Sofield)
(Credit: Tom Sofield)Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the White House has hosted its largest Diwali celebrations ever, and Vice President Harris has hosted her own Diwali celebrations at the vice president’s residence as recently as 2023.
Other elected officials who appeared at the event included County Commissioner Chair Jamila Winder, State Rep. Steve Malagari, State Sen. Melissa Cerrato, State Sen. Maria Collett, Montgomery Township Supervisor Tanya Bamford, Lansdale Borough Councilwoman Rafia Razzak, and Philadelphia City Councilwoman Nina Ahmad.
