Whereas for millions of Indian Americans, Diwali is a time
for thanksgiving and prayer for health, knowledge and peace;
Whereas Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian
Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists
throughout the United States;
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 falls on the last day of the last month in
the lunar calendar and 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 return
of god following the vanquishing of demonic forces;
Whereas for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day on which the
sixth founding Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from captivity by the
Mughal Emperor Jehangir;
Whereas for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the
attainment of Nirvana by Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras (founders
of the Jain philosophy); and
Whereas Diwali is a celebration of great importance in
Indian American communities throughout the United States: Now, therefore, be
it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)recognizes the
historical and religious significance of Diwali;
(2)in observance of
Diwali, the festival of lights, expresses its deepest respect for Indian
Americans and the Indian Diaspora throughout the world on this significant
occasion;
(3)recognizes and appreciates the religious
diversity in both India and the United States and throughout the world;
and
(4)acknowledges and
supports the relationship of collaboration and respect between the United
States and India.