[Congressional Bills 112th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 439 Introduced in House (IH)]
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 439
Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival
of Diwali.
_______________________________________________________________________
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
Resolved, 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.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Middle East and South Asia .
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