Massachusetts’ (USA) Governor Deval Patrick celebrated Diwali in the State House on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, becoming the first sitting governor to light the Diwali Diya.

Governor Patrick joined the South Asian Arts Council at the official lighting of the Diwali candle to mark the festival. He also said he was proud to celebrate Diwali with the community.

“We honor the contributions that the South Asian community has made to our community. Your community is our community and ours is yours,” Patrick told the crowd at the ceremony.

Thereafter, Governor Patrick very graciously accepted a copy of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and interacted with the guests assembled to celebrate the landmark event.

Watch the video of Governor Patrick’s speech at the event: