[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1938]
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

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the joyous 
Festival of Diwali. Diwali directly translates from Hindi, into ``Row 
of Lights.'' From this translation, Diwali has come to be known as 
``The Festival of Lights.'' Celebrations of Diwali involve the lighting 
of lamps to symbolize hope and joy. Other common practices include 
lighting fireworks and distributing sweets and gifts. The lighting of 
lamps is meant to symbolize the victory of good and the removal of 
darkness, or evil. The spiritual darkness is said to be ``vanquished'' 
by the many lights, bringing happiness and bliss to the people of this 
Earth.
  This cultural and religious festival is celebrated by nearly 1 
billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists in more than 20 countries. 
In the United States, some 2 million people observe Diwali, including 
many in the multi-cultural congressional district that I am proud to 
represent.
  Diwali is one of the most important holidays within Hinduism. In the 
Hindu faith, Diwali is linked to Rama's triumphant return following his 
victory over Ravana as told in the epic ``The Ramayana.'' Following 
Rama's victory, his people lit clay lamps along the capital city as to 
celebrate the returning of their King. These clay lamps were called 
Deepavalis, which Diwali is a shortened version of. In many Hindu 
calendars, Diwali corresponds with the start of a new year, correlating 
with the ideas of rebirth and renewal.
  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, lit a multitude of lamps in order 
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. Hundreds 
of lamps were lit in honor of Hargobind's return.
  Mr. Speaker, there is great diversity among the faiths that celebrate 
this joyful holiday. Across all of these traditions, Diwali holds 
significance in the South-Asian community as a time of hope, happiness 
and the renewal of life. For this reason, I am proud to be a cosponsor 
of House Resolution 439, recognizing the historical and religious 
importance of Diwali. I would like to join with all those celebrating 
this joyous time and wish Shubh Diwali to all.

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