Indian American community is a big part of Utah which has embraced Indian culture, says Cox
Keeping up a tradition started in 2005, Utah Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Palmer Cox hosted annual Diwali celebration at the Governor’s Mansion on Nov 1.
“Last night we hosted guests at the Governor’s Mansion to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. Happy #Diwali, Utah,” Cox wrote on facebook and twitter.
READ: Bidens, Kamala Harris celebrate largest ever Diwali at White House (October 26, 2022)
The Indian American community is a big part of Utah, the governor said in his speech noting that the state is a very welcoming place and how it has embraced Indian culture. Sari is a well-accepted dress in the state, he said.
Utah was the first state to celebrate Diwali at the Governor’s Mansion with then Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. hosting the event in 2005. Since then, every successive governor has followed the tradition.
More than 100 people, including business, political and spiritual leaders, and educators, attended the event which began with both Cox and his spouse performing Lakshmi pooja and the peace chant.
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“Most attendees also participated in tying of Raksha by the priests. We had a big line for that,” according to venture capitalist and philanthropist Dinesh Patel who was instrumental in the celebration of all Diwali events starting with the first one in 2005.
“This was a very well attended event. We had to be selective in inviting people. Every year, we give different people chance to attend,” he said.
Attendees included Elder Todd Christofferson, Quorum of Twelve Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christof Latter-day Saints; Utah State Senate President Stuart Adams; University of Utah President Taylor Randall; and Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez.
READ MORE:
Dinesh C. Patel honored with Utah Governor’s Medal (October 28, 2020)
Utah entrepreneur Dr. Dinesh Patel, wife Kalpana donate a million dollars to the University of Michigan (January 14, 2014)
Indian American entrepreneur Dinesh Patel appointed Chairman of Salt Lake City museum, The Leonardo (August 11, 2014)