The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors presented a proclamation recognizing Diwali and invited the public to community celebrations. Young community members, religious leaders and organizers described local cultural and charitable activities and announced a Diwali celebration on Oct. 25.

Supervisor Decrony (reader) and Chair Randall presented the proclamation and community representatives from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chantilly — including student speakers and congregation leaders — thanked the board. A student said volunteers of all ages participate in decorations, cultural exhibitions and food preparation; another speaker, a member of the temple leadership, said the congregation will move to a larger 100,000-square-foot facility in Sterling next year, which they said will allow larger events.

Why it matters: Diwali is one of Loudoun’s largest cultural observances for the county’s Indian American residents, who organizers said are active across schools, businesses, nonprofits and volunteer networks. The proclamation recognized the cultural contributions of Indian American residents and publicized the Oct. 25 celebration.

Discussion (summary): speakers described volunteer efforts that prepare events and encouraged cross-cultural participation; the board and attendees took photos after the proclamation. Board members thanked organizers and noted the proclamation is community-initiated and requires local leadership to bring forward.

Ending: The public was invited to Diwali festivities on Oct. 25 at the BAPS (Chantilly) site, and organizers said larger events will take place after their move to Sterling.