The state of Georgia in the United States has formally designated October as “Hindu Heritage Month” to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions made by the vibrant Hindu-American community residing in the state.
In an official proclamation, Governor Brian Kemp has declared October as ‘Hindu Heritage’ month. This declaration highlights the intention to celebrate Hindu heritage by emphasizing its rich culture and the diverse spiritual traditions that originate from India. “The vibrant Hindu American community has contributed tremendously to the vitality of the State of Georgia by enriching the lives of its citizens,” the proclamation by the Governor of the Georgia dated August 23 stated.
The proclamation further read that Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world with one billion devotees worldwide and around three million in the United States. According to the official staement, during the month of October 2023, the Hindu community across the state of Georgia will collectively celebrate its heritage by focusing on its culture and the diverse spiritual traditions rooted in India.
CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America), a Hindu advocacy group in the United States, has warmly welcomed this initiative and expressed gratitude to Governor Kemp for acknowledging the Hindu community’s substantial contributions across various sectors. On a platform X (formerly Twitter), the group stated, “Hinduism has contributed greatly to the cultural milieu of America.”
It is pertinent to note that in April, 2023, Georgia had become the first US state to pass a resolution condemning Hinduphobia. In a historic move, Georgia legislature passed the first ever County Resolution condemning Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry.
This resolution denounces Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu prejudice, emphasizing that Hinduism stands as one of the world’s most extensive and ancient religions, boasting more than 1.2 billion adherents spread across over 100 countries. It underscores the diverse traditions and belief systems within Hinduism, all founded on principles of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace.
As per information from the Hindu American Foundation, Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) serves as a worldwide endeavor with the objective of spotlighting Hinduism as a longstanding tradition and showcasing its significant contributions to humanity.