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

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated every year by millions of Indian-Americans — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others — as a time of thanksgiving, prayer, and new beginnings. Celebrants light small oil lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. This resolution recognizes the religious and historical significance of Diwali, expresses respect for Indian-Americans and the Indian diaspora worldwide, and acknowledges the collaborative relationship between the United States and India.