Washington - US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today released the following statement on Diwali, animportant holiday for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in New Jersey and around the world. Last week,the U.S. Senate unanimouslyagreed to a resolution,introduced by Senators Menendez, Cornyn and Warner,recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali and expressing the Senate'sdeepest respect for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, and other observers aroundthe world on this occasion.

"Once again, I am glad to join millions in the Garden State and around the world in celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This holiday inspires us to recognize our common humanity and reach for values that transcend borders, nationalities, and cultures - the victory of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and light over darkness. It is also an opportunity to celebrate India's great history, culture, and people and the enduring bonds and shared democratic values that have allowed the US and India to work together to reach common goals. My best wishes on this day to those who observe this important holiday in India and throughout the world as they join together to pray and celebrate."

The full text of Senate Resolution 291is below:

RESOLUTION

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

Whereas Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains throughout India, the United States, and the world;

Whereas Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light small oil lamps, place the lamps around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, peace, wealth, and prosperity in the new year;

Whereas the lights symbolize the light of knowledge within the individual that overwhelms the darkness of ignorance, empowering each celebrant to do good deeds and show compassion to others;

Whereas Diwali falls on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar and is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving for the homecoming of the Lord Rama and worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and bestower of blessings, at the beginning of the new year for many Hindus;

Whereas for Sikhs, Diwali is celebrated as Bandhi Chhor Diwas (The Celebration of Freedom), in honor of the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind; and

Whereas for Jains, Diwali marks 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.: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) recognizes the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali; and

(2) in observance of Diwali, the festival of lights, expresses its deepest respect for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, as well as fellow countrymen and diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion.

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