Senate Resolution 299, recognizing the "religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali," passed unanimously on November 14, 2007 in the U.S. Senate.
Nearly identical to the House Resolution 747 that passed in the full House of Representatives on October 29, 2007, the senate resolution was introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and was co-sponsored by Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Carl Levin (D-MI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Robert Casey (D-PA).
Both resolutions were written with the input of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), and recognized Diwali as a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. The text explains the meaning of the festival, how it is celebrated and describes its religious significance.
"I am delighted that the Senate has agreed to pass this resolution to recognize the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali," said Sen. Menendez. "It is important that we celebrate the great diversity that makes up and strengthens our national fabric, and it gives me great pride to commemorate what Diwali stands for – a time to be with family, and to pray for health, knowledge, and peace."
HAF released a joint statement lauding the resolution and welcomed their passage as a testament to the increase in understanding of Hinduism and Hindu Americans that has occurred among U.S. policy makers and elected officials. It thanked Sen. Menendez, and the co-sponsors of the Senate resolution, for their commitment to the Hindu American community and for encouraging their colleagues to support the resolution.
"These resolutions are symbolic, but we hope that the momentum of this event – where hundreds of legislators voted to recognize a Hindu festival – will inspire Hindu Americans everywhere to work towards Diwali's recognition at the state level, having the festival listed on more calendars, and taking the opportunity to spread awareness of their faith and its festivals at their schools and places of work," the statement read.
The passed resolutions have already been distributed at several Hindu temples and at Diwali celebrations throughout the US, according to the Foundation, and these efforts will continue.
