[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATION OF THE FESTIVAL OF DIWALI

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                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Festival 
of Diwali.
  Over one billion individuals celebrate the cultural and religious 
holiday of Diwali each year. Diwali is one of the most joyous festivals 
celebrated on the South Asian subcontinent. The festival is celebrated 
in the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions, and has cultural significance 
for South Asians. Within the United States there are over 2 million 
celebrating Diwali making it a significant holiday in our country.
  Diwali literally means ``The Festival of Lights,'' translated from 
Hindi. Celebrations of Diwali usually involve the lighting of lamps to 
symbolize hope and joy. I joined Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
in the White House yesterday, as President Obama lit a lamp in the 
White House in the observance of the festival, after signing an 
executive order restoring the White House Initiative on Asian Americans 
and Pacific Islanders.
  In the Hindu faith Diwali is often linked to Rama's triumphant return 
following his victory over Ravana as told in the epic The Ramayana. 
Following Rama's victory his people lighted lamps along the capital 
city to celebrate as their King returned. The clay lamps which the 
people lit, were called Deepavalis which Diwali is a shortened version 
of. In many Hindu calendars Diwali corresponds with the start of a new 
year. Diwali is one of the most significant holidays within Hinduism.
  In Jainism, Diwali marks the date upon which Lord Mahavira achieved 
the state of absolute bliss or Nirvana. It is said that King Chetaka, 
upon Lord Mahavira achieving Nirvana, light a multitude of lamps to 
create a material light to replace the light of intelligence that had 
been lost.
  In the Sikh tradition, the foundation of the Golden Temple is said to 
have been laid on Diwali. In this tradition, the 6th Sikh guru 
Hargobind was released from prison on the festival of Diwali.
  There is great diversity among the faiths that celebrate this joyful 
holiday. Across all these traditions, Diwali holds significance across 
the South-Asian community as a time of hope, happiness and the renewal 
of life. I am very proud to have been a co-sponsor of House Resolution 
798, conveying the best wishes of the House of Representatives to those 
celebrating Diwali. The resolution recognizes the importance of Diwali 
and extends the House of Representatives' deepest respects to all those 
celebrating Diwali. I would like to join with all those celebrating 
this joyous time and wish Shubh Diwali to all.

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