2023 Senate Resolution 79

Whereas, Diwali is celebrated annually every autumn by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Michigan, the United States, and throughout the world, with over one billion celebrants marking the holiday; and

Whereas, Diwali is a holy day, during which celebrants light small oil lamps and place them around the home. The lighting of the lamps is followed by prayers for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and valor, and is recognized as the beginning of a new year for some Hindus; and

Whereas, “Diwali” is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, which means a row of lamps, and in English is referred to as the “festival of lights;” and

Whereas, Celebrants of Diwali believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance; and

Whereas, For Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the belief that light triumphs over darkness and good triumphs over evil; and

Whereas, For Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind, was released from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir; and

Whereas, For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha or liberation by Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who was the great teacher of Jain Dharma at the end of his life in 527 B.C.; and

Whereas, Michigan remains resolute in its commitment to fostering diversity of experience and religious acceptance; and

Whereas, Diwali is a time marked by qualities of togetherness, family, and community; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize the historic, cultural, and religious significance of the festival of Diwali. We recognize the Diwali message of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance of others which resonates with the ideals of the American spirit; and be it further

Resolved, That we express respect and admiration to all those who celebrate Diwali throughout the world and in our own communities.