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Washington DC (Nov 11th 2007) - As Hindu Americans celebrated their most popular festival, Diwali, greetings poured into the offices of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) from members of the U.S. Congress, interfaith religious groups and several community leaders. Diwali, or Deepavali as it is known in Sanskrit, will be celebrated on November 9 this year according to the Hindu calendar and is also of religious significance to Sikhs and Jains. The festival celebrations will have added luster for Hindu Americans this year after House Resolution 747 recognizing the religious significance of Diwali passed in the House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin last week.
Diwali is the "festival of lights" as Hindu families light rows of earthen lamps in their homes to symbolize the victory of good over evil, and the vanquishing of the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge and virtue.
"Diwali is a celebration of life, hope, and the triumph of good over evil," said Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a cosponsor of a matching resolution in the U.S. Senate that also recognizes Diwali, in a statement released to HAF. "The Hindu American Foundation's daily application of Diwali's principles enriches and educates our society. I wish you a bright Diwali celebration."
"Every day I try to follow Gandhi's wisdom when he said, 'Be the change you wish to see in the world,' and I believe my friends at the Hindu American Foundation do the same," said Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA), this year's co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus. "Let us not forget that every time we bring light into the darkness, we bring hope into the world."
Beyond the religious significance Diwali carries for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, followers of other religions in India often join in the celebrations. Invoking that spirit, Iftekar Hai, President of the United Muslims of America Interfaith Alliance, said, "Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has deep spiritual meaning to me as a Muslim because light is opposite of darkness, the triumph of goodness or light over evil or darkness. I want to join with all of you in celebrating Diwali and help bring healing and reconciliation among the world's religions."
"[Diwali] festival broke down all barriers of Creed, especially for children who reveled in the joys of sharing sweets, lighting crackers and showing off new clothes," added C. Alex Alexander, Founding Member, Indian Christian Pluralists. "I continue to hope and pray that such joint celebrations of India's many festivals by all Indians will prevail and prosper...so that all Indians will continue to light their lamps to dispel religious bigotry and usher in the lights of God's love for all."
Similarly worded greetings were received at the HAF offices from the Interfaith Alliance, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, American Jewish Committee, Chief Arvol Looking Horse of the Dakota/Lakota/Nakota Nations and many others. Several prominent members of Congress and academics also sent felicitations that will appear on the HAF website in a special Diwali section this week.
A complete list of greetings from Congressional offices and NGOs can be found online at: http://www.hafsite.org/campaigns_deepavali2007_resolution.htm#greetings
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