Deepavali (Diwali) 2009
Significance | Greetings & Wishes | Obama Lights Diwali Diya | Obama's Video Message | Celebrate Diwali in San Jose, CA
The Significance of Diwali
Perhaps the most widely recognized Hindu festival, Diwali, or Deepavali, will be celebrated globally October 17, 2009. Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” which symbolizes the victory of dharma, and good over evil, is the one of the most celebrated festivals in the Hindu diaspora. The word is a variation of the Sanskrit word Deepavali, and refers to the rows of earthen lamps celebrants place around their homes. Hindus believe that the light from these lamps symbolizes the illumination within the individual that overwhelms ignorance, represented by darkness. In addition to the lighting of lamps, many in India celebrate the night of Diwali with colorful firecrackers.
Many Hindus recognize Diwali as a day celebrating the return of the avatar Lord Rama (the incarnation of Lord Vishnu), His wife Sita and brother Lakshman to their capitol, Ayodhya, after 14 years of exile. The residents of Ayodhya, overjoyed at the return of their beloved King, lit lamps in His honor. Thus, the entire city looked like a row of lights. Other Hindus commemorate Diwali as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
In addition to the spiritual significance the day holds for Hindus, Sikhs celebrate the release of the Sixth Guru, Hargobind, from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, and Jains commemorate Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana, or liberation, after his death in 527 B.C.
While the reasons for what it commemorate, Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service). The alleviation of tangible forms of suffering, such as hunger, disease, and poverty, is an essential component of the Hindu tradition. Service is worship, no less than performing a puja or practicing meditation or studying scripture.
In the spirit of Diwali, HAF urges you to donate your time and resources for the upliftment of those in need. Remember to support your favorite charities this Diwali through both dana and seva.
"Give. Give with faith. Do not give without faith. Give with sensitivity. Give with a feeling of abundance. Give with right understanding." - Taittiriya Upanishad
In addition to the spiritual significance the day holds for Hindus, Sikhs celebrate the release of the Sixth Guru, Hargobind, from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir, and Jains commemorate Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana, or liberation, after his death in 527 B.C.
While the reasons for what it commemorate, Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service). The alleviation of tangible forms of suffering, such as hunger, disease, and poverty, is an essential component of the Hindu tradition. Service is worship, no less than performing a puja or practicing meditation or studying scripture.
In the spirit of Diwali, HAF urges you to donate your time and resources for the upliftment of those in need. Remember to support your favorite charities this Diwali through both dana and seva.
"Give. Give with faith. Do not give without faith. Give with sensitivity. Give with a feeling of abundance. Give with right understanding." - Taittiriya Upanishad
Greetings & Wishes
Congressional Leaders
"Allow me to extend my warmest wishes to the Hindu American Community in the observance of Diwali. Across Ohio and our nation, Hindu American families and friends will gather in homes and community halls to celebrate the great festival of light. Through a diya’s glow and exchange of sweets and gifts, Diwali is a celebration of the inner light and good in all of us and its ascendancy over darkness and evil. This occasion gives us the time to reflect on the importance of abandoning our prejudices for a more enlightened path, one on which we can put aside our differences and rejoice in what we have in common. I wish all of you the greatest peace and joy on this Diwali and in the years to come."
-Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
"I want to extend my warmest welcome to those celebrating Diwali. I am happy to share in your joy as you celebrate the “Festival of Lights.” I also want to thank my many friends in the Hindu community for providing all Marylanders with the opportunity to share and celebrate Hindu tradition and culture. Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion with more than 837 million followers. It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal, and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka. My hope is for all Marylanders to understand and appreciate your rich culture and history. This important celebration was recognized in 2007 by the U.S. Congress. We are a great nation because we are diverse and founded on the principal of religious tolerance. Hindus are important members of our community and of our nation. Best wishes on this special occasion."
-Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)
"I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes for a festive Diwali to the Indian-American community in Connecticut. As Hindus, Sikhs and Jains mark this festival of light and spiritual rejuvenation, I join in celebrating this joyous holiday and the many rich contributions Indian-Americans have made to American society."
-Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)
"Our nation is built on its diversity, and we honor the symbols and traditions of Americans who have made our country what it is today. Indian Americans are an important part of our social and cultural fabric, and Diwali is a time to celebrate community, family, and hope for the future. That’s why we must to celebrate Diwali each year and recognize its religious and historic significance.”
-Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ)
"Once again, I am glad to join people of Indian descent in the Garden State and in every corner of the world in celebration of “Diwali” – or the “Festival of Lights”. This holiday is an opportunity to celebrate India’s history, culture and people – a vibrant community that has made enormous contributions to humanity. But more importantly, it also inspires all of us to recognize what we share in common and reach for the values that transcend culture or belief – the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. My best wishes on this day to those that celebrate this wonderful holiday.”
-Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
"This October 17, lamps and fireworks will illuminate the world as Diwali is celebrated globally. Signifying the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it provides the opportunity to reflect on the importance of empathy towards all, regardless of differences in belief, creed, politics, or race. I would like to express my best wishes to all those who celebrate this joyous occasion."
-Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY)
"On behalf of New York’s 13th Congressional District, I would like to reach out to the Hindu-American community to wish them a blessed and jubilant Diwali. This festival of lights acknowledges the importance of good over evil and light over darkness. It is a time for the Hindu-American people to come together to observe an occasion that symbolizes religious tradition and cultural enrichment. I am blessed to represent an incredibly diverse district, with many Indian, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi constituents, who will celebrate this sacred day with their families. For all those who participate in this wonderful festival, I send my wishes of a happy and healthy Diwali from New York."
-Rep. Michael E. McMohan (D-NY)
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to offer my warm wishes to my friends in the Hindu American Community in honor of the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. As we remember the triumph of good over evil, may we use this occasion to enlighten our souls and look for a renewed understanding to raise the awareness of our inner light to become better global citizens. Please know that as you celebrate with your friends and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you – and with those across the globe honoring Diwali this week."
-Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN)
“I am very pleased to offer warm greetings to Hindu Americans and other celebrants around the world on the joyous occasion of Diwali. Signifying the victory of good over evil within an individual, Diwali provides an opportunity to reflect and recommit to living up to our best standards and doing what we know is right. No matter our religion or nationality, it is beneficial for our world if all of humanity strives toward this ‘awareness of the inner light’. My best wishes of peace and happiness to all on this sacred day.”
-Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI)
"Please accept my best wishes as you celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Indians and South Asians from around the world will celebrate the triumph of good over evil and internal illumination that is manifest in each lamp that is lit this holiday. In a region that is known for its celebratory intensity, it is no surprise that Diwali is such a festive occasion. In my home district of Orange County, we have a prominent South Asian community that is equally vibrant. I am told by many of my constituents that this is the one time of year when children awake long before their parents to begin the joyous festivities. For many, Diwali is an occasion to spend with friends and family, renewing old acquaintances and spending time with loved ones. It's also a time to reflect on past achievements and hopes for the future. Again, I extend my best wishes to you on this auspicious occasion and wish you a happy Diwali."
-Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA)
“I am grateful to once again extend my warmest congratulations to the Hindu community on the occasion of the festival of Diwali. This significant event celebrates the universal goal of eliminating ignorance in our world through the pursuit of knowledge and a greater understanding among all people. As a longtime friend of the Hindu American Foundation, I look forward to continuing our work together, and I wish you all the best on this occasion and in the years to come.”
-Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
State & Local Leaders
"Diwali, the celebration of the Festival of Lights, uses the lighting of many small earthenware oil lamps to mark the victory of goodness and knowledge over the darkness of evil and ignorance. Wherever we go, Hindus carry this bright victory light and join with our world neighbors in this universal quest to improve our connections with each other and make this a better place for all."
-Satveer Chaudhary, MN State Senator (DFL)
"I would like to convey my best wishes for the 2009 Diwali Celebration. I commend the Hindu American Foundation for its dedication to enlightening the public by sharing with us the religious and historical significance of Diwali. The Diwali Festival of Lights reminds us of the importance of celebrating culture and to focus on family, service, knowledge, prayer and peace that will help serve our community on a higher level. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve you and am honored to congratulate the foundation and the Hindu American community, as you enjoy the Diwali festivities and much continued success."
-Ellen Corbett, California State Senator, Tenth District (D)
“I want to extend my best wishes to Hindu Americans for a joyous Diwali. This wonderful holiday that celebrates light over darkness is particularly poignant during these challenging times. It is also a wonderful reminder of the rich traditions of our diverse community.”
-Joe Simitian, California State Senator, Eleventh District (D)
"It is my great honor to offer my best wishes to all Americans on the occasion of Diwali. To my fellow Hindus this is a joyous celebration of the victory of Good over Evil upon the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. I hope all Americans, regardless of their faith tradition, can join this celebration as a victory of knowledge and tolerance for all peoples. It is appropriate for the 'Festival of Lights' to shine the way to greater understanding and reverence for all America and indeed the entire world."
-Delegate Kumar Barve, Majority Leader, Maryland House of Delegates
“I want to extend my warmest greetings for a festive celebration of Diwali to the Hindu, Jain and Sikh Americans throughout the nation! The celebration of Diwali is a testament to the richness of diversity that makes this nation a great place to live, work and play. As the community comes together to celebrate this joyous occasion of the triumph of good over evil, it also reminds us of the wonderful contributions Hindu Americans have given to our society. May the “rows of lighted lamps” guide each and every one of us to a greater understanding and insight of the different cultures of the world.”
- Madison Nguyen, Councilmember, City of San Jose, CA
"I'd like to again congratulate HAF for its invaluable service in bringing an awareness of Hinduism to the communities at large, and helping to dispel stereotypes and misconceptions. May we all be guided to discover our inner light and joy, and may goodness always triumph over evil. Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Diwali,and a prosperous New Year!"
-Anjali Lathi, Board of Directors, Union Sanitary District
Interfaith Leaders
"Dear Friends in the Hindu Community, It is an honor, on behalf of URI’s global community of people of all faiths, to wish you a joyous and light-filled Diwali. May this Diwali be filled with the blessing of light, love, peace and harmony for Hindus, Jains and Sikhs around the world. May that blessing shine the hope-filled light of love, peace and harmony for all people."
-The Rev. Canon Charles P. Gibbs, Executive Director, United Religions Initiative
Community Leaders
"We would like to extend our warmest wishes to everyone at HAF and all fellow Hindus on the occasion of Diwali. Let us use the Festival of Lights to enlighten those who remain in the dark about Hinduism. It is our belief that HAF is one of the best vehicles Hindu Americans have to achieve this."
-Ramesh & Kiran Bhutada, Founder and President, Star Pipe Products, and Rishi & Shradha Bhutada, Assistant CFO, Star Pipe Products
“We are honored and privileged to be associated with HAF and their tremendous work in furthering Hindu American advocacy. On this occasion, we wish HAF and all Hindu Americans a Happy Diwali 2009 and best wishes for the year ahead!”
-Gautam & Anjali Prakash, Founder & Managing Director, Monsoon Capital
"We at the Hindu Organization of Long Island (HOLI) send our best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali. We hope that the coming year will be a happy, healthy and a prosperous one."
-Dr. Urmila Shivaram, Hindu Organization of Long Island
"Warmest Diwali wishes to everyone at HAF and all Hindu Americans across the United States. May the bright lights of Diwali shine upon all of us and make this season a special one filled with happiness."
-K. Surikumar, Chairman & CEO, American Reprographics Company
Academics
"I would like to wish Hindu American Foundation, its members, and Hindus everywhere a happy and auspicious Diwali time. I would also like to acknowledge HAF for the leading and pivotal role it played in having the U.S. government's recognition of the significance of Diwali to the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities. America was once a country made up almost exclusively of Christians, but much has changed since that time. We now have an extremely diverse religious landscape, and HAF is helping America to understand the important role that Hindus and Hinduism plays in this country. Keep up the good work."
-Ramdas Lamb, Associate Professor, Department of Religion, University of Hawai’i
"Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness, of truth over delusion. At this time, when so many people in the world are living in hope for better times to come, may the light of Diwali illumine the way to a peaceful and prosperous future for all."
-Jeffrey Long, Associate Profressor of Religious Studies, Department Chair, Elizabethtown College
"Beyond the merriments and miseries of every day, Beyond the plenty and penury in individual lives, Beyond soaring successes and frustrating failures, Groups and peoples, communities and nations Dedicate days and occasions to celebrate. We come together and share in collective jubilance Among ourselves and our dear friends, The culture and tradition that bind us, The lore and legends that unite us, The songs and sweets that tickle us, And the values and hopes that inspire us. In this spirit in every country and continent, We Hindus celebrate our Festival of Lights that commemorates the Symbolic Victory Of Justice over Injustice, Of Right over Wrong, Of Love and Good over Hate and Evil, Of Darkness over Light. It is in this celebratory mood that I wish one and all A Very Happy Divali today And pray for Happiness and Peace in all the world. Loka samastha sukhino bhavantu. Om shanti, shanti, shantihi."
-V.V. Raman, Emeritus Professor of Physics and Humanities, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), & Senior Fellow, Metanexus Institute
"The lights of Diwali are the inextinguishable flames of faith and hope in the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil. These lights also testify to our human yearning for a world that is free of hate and fear and where there is abundance of compassion, peace and happiness. Diwali inspires a persisting faith and hope that goodness and joy is what existence is all about and every flame beckons us to ground ourselves in this truth of the universe. Happy Diwali to Hindu Americans and to the worldwide community of Hindus."
-Anantanand Rambachan, Professor and Chair of Religion. St. Olaf College
"May all connected with the Hindu American Foundation have a wonderful 2009 Diwali, and with me, recite this verse of the Bhagavad Gita (10.11 from my translation): For them especially, out of compassion, dwelling as the Self within their hearts, I dispel the darkness that arises from the absence of knowledge with the radiant lamp of knowledge."
-Graham M. Schweig, Ph.D., Professor of Religion, Christopher Newport University
"May the light of Diwali dispel the darkness and ignorance in our world, and may this Diwali illuminate our hearts and our minds. Here's wishing HAF and all Hindu Americans a very happy Diwali 2009!"
-Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California