Title
To recognize and celebrate The Festival Diwali, the “Festival of Lights”
Body
WHEREAS, over one billion Hindus worldwide observe the festival of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” which symbolizes the victory of dharma, or good over evil; and Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals of great significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Recognizing the religious and historical significance of Diwali, the U.S. Congress officially passed a unanimous resolution in 2007 and has since been a part of official White House celebrations. Diwali renews our commitment to upholding values of truth, non-violence, charitable giving, community service, etc.; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is a time for worshiping light in the form of wisdom, knowledge, peace, compassion and well-being, Diwali is celebrated by 1.2 Billion Hindus in the world and 3 million in USA as a day of thanksgiving for the homecoming of Lord Rama and the beginning of the new year; and
WHEREAS, over 25 million Sikhs in the world and 700,000 in the USA, celebrate Diwali as 'Bandi Chor Divas' a day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind Singh ji, was released from the captivity by Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Over 6 million Jains over the world and 300,000 in the USA, celebrate Diwali as the anniversary of the attainment of Moksha or liberation by Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras (the great teachers of Jain Dharma), at the end of his life in 527 B.C; and
WHEREAS, over 535 million Buddhists over the world and 3.5 million in the USA, especially the Newar Buddhists, commemorate Diwali as Ashok Vijayadashami, the day the great Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism as his faith, there is a sizeable population of Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains who have made Columbus their home; and
WHEREAS, on the request of Dr.J. S. Jindal, President, Spiritual Sadhna Society & Gurudwara Sahib, Snouffer Rd., Council Member Bhuwan Pyakurel, Reynoldsburg City, Niranjan (Neil) Patel, Past...
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