[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 16362]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        IN CELEBRATION OF DIWALI

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Honda) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, let me just be a little uplifting today.
  I rise today to wish my friends and colleagues a happy Diwali. Diwali 
is this Sunday, November 3, and it signifies the start of the lunar new 
year. The festival of Diwali is a rich cultural history. It celebrates 
the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over 
ignorance.
  Diwali is one of the biggest festivals for Hindus, celebrated with 
great enthusiasm and happiness. The festival is celebrated for 5 
continuous days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali 
festival or Festival of Lights. This holiday commemorates Lord Rama's 
return from 14 years of exile after defeating the demon King Ravan.
  Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with 
this festival. People shoot firecrackers to drive away evil spirits. On 
this auspicious day, people light up diyas lamps and candles all around 
their house. These lamps are kept on during the night and people clean 
their houses to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into their 
homes. Lakshmi is said to bring prosperity and happiness to people in 
the new year.
  During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets 
and snacks with family members and friends. They perform the ceremonial 
Puja in the evening and seek divine blessings from Lakshmi. The 
festival of Diwali is never complete without the exchange of gifts. 
People present Diwali gifts to all near and dear ones.
  Diwali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, 
Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, 
and Fiji. This holiday is one of the most important holidays in Indian 
culture and a time for families to reunite and enjoy one another's 
company.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in the celebration of Diwali, the 
Festival of Lights. Happy Diwali.

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