SR0593 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0593 LRB102 21143 MST 30139 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that takes place in autumn and is a festival of new beginnings, celebrating good over evil and light over darkness; and

WHEREAS, The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps"; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and each religion marks different events and stories; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is important to each faith for different reasons; the common factor in the understanding of the holiday is the triumph of good over evil, of "light over darkness"; this focus on light is why it is known as the festival of lights; and

WHEREAS, Celebrants light small oil lamps and place them around their homes; the lights symbolize the light within each individual, the light that rids the soul of ignorance; and

WHEREAS, Celebrants pray, craft flower garlands, place floating candles in water, share sweets, make lanterns, and display them in their homes or send them into the night sky; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by four million Indian Americans in the U.S. and by millions more worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Illinois recognizes the cultural significance of Diwali and the religious diversity in Illinois, the U.S., and the world; and

WHEREAS, The message of Diwali resonates with Illinoisans, Americans, and citizens of the world now more than ever; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare November 4, 2021 "Diwali Day" in honor of the people in Illinois and across the nation who celebrate this significant holiday.