MIAMISBURG, OH- Today, former State Senator Niraj Antani (R-OH) celebrated October as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ officially in law in Ohio. This is the second year the law has been in effect. Sen. Antani originally sponsored it as a bill. The measure went into effect as an amendment offered by Sen. Antani to another bill in December, 2024. It was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio in January, 2025. Ohio is the only state in the nation to officially designate October as Hindu Heritage Month in permanent law. Sen. Antani was the 1st Hindu State Senator in Ohio history.
“As we enter this auspicious season, I’m excited to be able to celebrate ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ in Ohio officially in law for the second year. Hindu Ohioans have contributed significantly to the fabric of our state and I’m so honored to have been able to pass this into law,” Sen. Antani said.
"The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) congratulates the state of Ohio on its second Hindu Heritage Month. This recognition serves as a testament to the vibrant contributions of the Hindu American community to the Buckeye State and reinforces the importance of celebrating our diverse religious and cultural heritage. We are grateful to former State Senator Niraj Antani and State Representatives Dr. Anita Somani and Adam Mathews for their leadership on this initiative. HAF is proud to support this ongoing effort to foster greater understanding and appreciation for the Hindu faith and its followers,” said Samir Kalra, Managing Director of the Hindu American Foundation.
“As a proud Buckeye, I’m very grateful to Governor DeWine and former Senator Niraj Antani for passing this law to honor Ohio’s Hindu residents, their contributions, celebrations, and traditions. It is a matter of great pride for the Hindus of Ohio to note Ohio is the first and only state to permanently designate October as the Hindu Heritage Month, which marks a time to educate and to build bridges and representation. This is particularly important for young Hindu Ohioans as this legislative action creates a platform for them to showcase their heritage and pride in ways which are meaningful to their identity and culture,” said Dr. Rakesh Ranjan of the Coalition of Hindu Americans of North America said.
“HinduACTion celebrates Ohio’s Hindu Heritage Month, now a permanent part of state law since 2025. As an Ohio-based nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and leadership grounded in Hindu values, we are proud to have played a role in the coordination and outreach that helped move this recognition from a proposal to enacted law. We saw firsthand the persistence required to get the bill to the Governor’s desk and are grateful to every official and volunteer who treated Hindu Americans as part of Ohio’s civic fabric rather than an afterthought. HinduACTion calls on Ohioans of every background to use this month to learn, visit, participate and celebrate. We will continue our work in Columbus and Washington so that recognition of Hindu heritage is matched by fair policy, honest media portrayal, and protection of religious freedom for all,” said Renu Gupta, President of Hindu ACTion.
“As Ohio observes Hindu Heritage Month for the second year, we thank former State Senator Niraj Antani for his determined leadership in securing its recognition. This law gives Hindu families an opportunity to share their traditions with neighbors and helps all Ohioans appreciate the contributions of Hindu Americans. We hope October brings communities together in celebration and understanding,” said Dr. Jai Bansal, Vice President of Education and Awareness of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America.
