Title
To recognize the Festival of Diwali in the City of Columbus.
Body
WHEREAS, Over one billion Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists worldwide observe the festival of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” which symbolizes the victory of dharma or good over evil; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals of great historic and religious significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists and since its recognition by the U.S Congress in 2007, has been a part of official White House celebrations; and
WHEREAS, Diwali renews our commitment to upholding values of truth, non-harming, charitable giving, community service etc.; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is a time for worshipping light in the form of wisdom, knowledge, peace, compassion and wellbeing and is celebrated by many Hindus as a day of thanksgiving for the homecoming of Lord Rama and the beginning of the new year for many Hindus; and
WHEREAS, for Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as a day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind, was released from the captivity by Mughal Emperor Jehangi; and
WHEREAS, for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of Moksha or liberation by
Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankars (the great teachers of Jain Dharma), at the end of his life in 527 B.C; and
WHEREAS, for Buddhists, especially the Newar Buddhists, Diwali is commemorated as Ashok
Vijayadashami, the day the great Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism as his faith; and
WHEREAS, there is a sizeable population of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists mainly originating from India, Bhutan and Nepal who have made Columbus their home; now therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize the religious and historical significance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and its message of victory of good over evil, which resonates with the American spirit;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: This Council does hereby proudly expresses its...
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