H.Res. 798House111th Congress (2009-2011)In Committee

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

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Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

October 29, 2009

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

October 6, 2009

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

October 6, 2009

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Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

October 29, 2009

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Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

Oversight and Government Reform Committee

October 29, 2009

Floor Debate

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What members said about H.Res. 798 on the floor

1 Democrat

Rep. Michael M. HondaD-CA-15 · Oct 15, 2009

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…

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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Introduced in HouseIssued October 6, 2009

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 798

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

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.