[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 798 Introduced in House (IH)]

111th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 798

  Conveying the best wishes of the House of Representatives to those 
                          celebrating Diwali.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 6, 2009

 Mr. McDermott (for himself, Mr. Royce, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Pallone, Mr. 
Wilson of South Carolina, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, and Mr. Ackerman) submitted 
   the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
                    Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Conveying the best wishes of the House of Representatives to those 
                          celebrating Diwali.

Whereas Diwali is celebrated by many Americans and people around the world, 
        especially in South Asia;
Whereas Diwali is also known as ``Deepavali'' to many celebrants around the 
        world;
Whereas Diwali is a significant holiday for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and 
        others;
Whereas Diwali falls on the last day of the last month of the lunar calendar and 
        the festival is celebrated for 5 days;
Whereas Diwali is commonly known as ``the Festival of Lights'' and is observed 
        with diyas, or oil lamps, lit in clay vessels; and
Whereas for its celebrants, Diwali is of spiritual significance and the lights 
        of Diwali symbolize the inner light that overcomes the darkness of 
        ignorance: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the historical and religious significance of 
        Diwali;
            (2) celebrates the rich cultural and religious diversity of 
        the people of the United States and the freedom of religion 
        guaranteed to all Americans; and
            (3) conveys best wishes to its fellow Americans and to 
        people around the world celebrating Diwali.
                                 <all>