H.Res. 439House112th Congress (2011-2013)In Committee

Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

Legislative Activity

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Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .

Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee

October 25, 2011

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

October 14, 2011

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Committee

October 14, 2011

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .

Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee

October 25, 2011

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about H.Res. 439 on the floor

1 Democrat

Rep. Michael M. HondaD-CA-15 · Oct 26, 2011

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…

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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Introduced in HouseIssued October 14, 2011

112th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. RES. 439

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 14, 2011

Mr. Crowley submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

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.