[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 747 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                      October 29, 2007.
Whereas Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and the 
        people of India, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and 
        Jains throughout the United States and the world;
Whereas there are more than 2,000,000 Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains in the 
        United States;
Whereas the word ``Diwali'' is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term 
        ``Deepavali'', which means ``a row of lamps'';
Whereas Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light small oil 
        lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and 
        peace;
Whereas celebrants of Diwali believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light 
        within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance;
Whereas Diwali, falling on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar, 
        is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the new year 
        for many Hindus;
Whereas for Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil;
Whereas for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, 
        or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind ji, was released from captivity from 
        the ruling Mughal Emperor; and
Whereas for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha or 
        liberation by Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were the great 
        teachers of Jain dharma, at the end of his life in 527 B.C.: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) during this time of celebration, in order to demonstrate support 
        for Indian Americans and the Indian Diaspora throughout the world, 
        recognizes Diwali as an important festival;
            (2) acknowledges the international religious and historical 
        importance of the festival of Diwali;
            (3) recognizes and appreciates the religious diversity in both India 
        and the United States and throughout the world;
            (4) acknowledges and supports the new relationship of collaboration 
        and dialogue in international efforts between the United States and 
        India; and
            (5) in observance of and out of respect for the start of Diwali, the 
        festival of lights, acknowledges the onset of Diwali and expresses its 
        deepest respect to Indian Americans and the Indian Diaspora throughout 
        the world on this significant occasion.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.