Perhaps the most widely recognized Hindu festival, Diwali, or Deepavali, will be celebrated globally October 28, 2008. 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
DIWALI GREETINGS FROM GOVERNMENT AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
Government | Interfaith
| Academia
Government
"Thank you for the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you as we near the night of Diwali. In the coming days, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and their friends of all faiths will gather across
America and around the world to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Much has happened in the
world since the last Diwali, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year past and
rededicate ourselves to spreading peace and tolerance in the coming year.
Last year, I wrote that Diwali's celebration of the triumph of illumination over ignorance had a special meaning for me. At that time, traveling across America and meeting people of
every spiritual and ethnic background showed me that there's much more that unites us than divides us. Now, one year later, I believe this even more strongly.
Americans, despite our varied backgrounds, believe that all people are created equal, and that each person should be free to practice or not practice religion as they choose. These beliefs
have faced challenges at home and abroad throughout history, but they are the beliefs our nation
was founded on, and we always return to them.
If I'm elected President of the United States, I will work to renew America's moral
leadership in the world. This is our time to create change, and I believe that we can and must
continue the fight against ignorance and intolerance. I hope you enjoy your celebration and renew your commitment to overcoming ignorance. I wish you all the best for a joyous Diwali."
Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL)
“I am happy to extend Diwali greetings to all celebrating the Festival of Lights. Every year, more than one billion people worldwide celebrate the New Year to commemorate the victory of good over evil and honor the inner light within every human being. I wish all Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs peace, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year."
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
"I send warm greetings to all Minnesotans who are celebrating Diwali. The Diwali festival is a treasured holiday, filled with joy and celebration in anticipation of the New Year. I still remember with great fondness helping to inaugurate the new Hindu Temple of Minnesota in Maple Grove. The temple is not only a sacred place of worship and a center of community life for Hindus in Minnesota, it also stands as an impressive symbol of Minnesota’s growing diversity. I would like to extend best wishes for a festive celebration and a special thanks to the Hindu American Foundation for their tireless work on behalf of all Hindu-Americans. Happy Diwali!"
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
"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 I was proud to cosponsor a Senate resolution that honors Diwali and recognizes its religious and historic significance."
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
"Every year, I look forward to the recognition and celebration of Diwali. In my view, culture and heritage are not passive ideas that are somehow transmitted among people to keep them vital; we have to work to keep culture and heritage strong. And in the end, that’s what Diwali is all about. As co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I am especially proud of the significant progress we made as a nation over the last year in deepening our ties with India on so many levels, from trade to renewable energy to human rights. There is always more work to be done, but it is important work that I look forward to, because we continue to show the world how much progress we can make as nations by respecting one another. Fittingly, Diwali has come to be known as the worldwide Festival of Lights. Every year, Diwali marks our efforts to light another candle and curse the darkness. Step by step we are succeeding. As you celebrate Diwali, know that your participation shines light, and therefore hope, all over the world."
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
“As co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize the Diwali festival which is celebrated by the people of India, the Indian Diaspora around the world, and the nearly two million Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains who call America their home. The partnership between the United States and India continues to grow. As strategic and economic allies, India and the United States share a common goal in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. This important festival supports those goals through its celebration of kinship, knowledge, and goodness. Additionally, I am pleased that President George W. Bush was the first President to honor Diwali with an official function at the White House and has done so for the past six years. This type of recognition represents the strong partnership between the American people and our friends in India.”
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
“My most sincere greetings to you as you celebrate Diwali. This week, millions around the world will join in celebration to enjoy fireworks and the Festival of Lights. May your celebration bring you hope, inspiration, and joy. Please accept my personal best wishes to you and your families as you celebrate religious freedom in your communities in Fremont, across the California Bay Area, and around the world.”
Judy B. Lloyd, Assistant Northern California Director, Women for McCain-Palin
"Diwali is a time for reflection, family and service. It is an opportunity to remember all that we are thankful for, and to extend our hand to our brethren. As the new year dawns upon us, let us remember the true spirit and message of this day, and work towards building a strong and vibrant community. I wish all a very prosperous and joyous Diwali."
Maryland Majority Delegate Kumar Barve (D)
"In celebration of the Festival of Lights, Diwali, I offer well wishes to all those in the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain who embrace the symbol of light, the light that resides in each person and rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance. The universality of this observance invites our neighbors in community to join us in charitable giving and selfless service to improve our communities and strengthen our bonds with each other."
Minnesota State Senator Satveer Chaudhary (DLF-Fridley)
Please view CA Lt. Governor John Garamendi's Commendation for Diwali
"GREETINGS FROM THE CITY OF FREMONT! It is my great pleasure to recognize the Festival of Diwali/Deepavali which is being observed on October 28, 2008. I extend heart-felt greetings to all the celebrants on this significant day. Please accept my best wishes for a meaningful celebration for this most important Festival shared by Fremont’s Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities!"
Mayor Bob Wasserman, City of Fremont, CA
"On behalf of the Milpitas City Council and as Mayor, I send our greetings and Happy Diwali to all as “the Festival of Lights” is the most celebrated festivals in the Hindu diaspora. I am honored to be included in your recognition of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which marks the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness, and is a celebration with religious significance and importance. We embrace our diverse community, and we are blessed to have such a large and vibrant Hindu community here in Milpitas, in Fremont, and throughout the Bay Area. We commend the Hindu-American Foundation and everyone involved for their hard work and dedication on behalf of over 2 million Hindu-Americans in the effort to nationally recognize the religious and historical significance of the Diwali 'Festival of Lights'."
Mayor Jose S. Esteves, City of Milpitas, CA
"As the Vice Mayor of Milpitas, I am honored to offer my sincerest greetings to all celebrating the Diwali or festival of lights as it is also known. The Hindu community in Milpitas and surrounding cities celebrate the victory of good over evil through this important festival and I am happy to join in their joy and recognition. Blessings to all during this holy time and best of luck to all of my friends in the Hindu community."
Vice Mayor Bob Livengood, City of Milpitas, CA
"Greetings from District 7, City of San Jose. I am honored to join the Hindu community in recognizing Diwali, the festival of lights on October 28th. As the light of knowledge and the triumph of good over evil are celebrated on this day, I send my best wishes for continued truth and guidance for all citizens. Happy Diwali!"
Councilmember Madison Nguyen, City of San Jose, CA, District 7
"Warmest Diwali greetings from Fremont. The Festival of Lights celebrates the victory of good over evil and represents all that is good and hopeful. For many Hindus throughout the world, this is also the beginning of a new year. As friends and relatives and neighborhoods and communities rejoice over the beginning of the holiday season, it is important to cherish every culture and tradition, and respect the different religions. The symbolism of Diwali is something we need to pass on to the younger generations and to the entire community. May your family rejoice in the festivities as we all collectively hope for peace in the world."
Councilmember Anu Natarajan, City of Fremont, CA
"I am delighted and honored to send a goodwill message to wish you and the Hindu community a very successful Diwali Festival celebration. The festival of lights, symbolizing good over evil, is something that we all should embrace. The brightness of lights does shine a path to overcome darkness and fear. Rather than dwell in the past, there is always a brighter tomorrow. The light will lead the way. May we all learn from this simple gesture of holding up a light. It will chase away fear and ignorance and provide a pathway to harmony."
Councilmember Steve Cho, City of Fremont, CA
"Happy Diwali and a blessed and prosperous year to all. I am delighted to send my best wishes to the Hindu American Foundation, the Hindu-American community, and all those around the world who observe Diwali, on this joyous occasion. Please accept my best wishes for a meaningful celebration for this important Festival "
Councilmember Sam Liccardo, City of San Jose, CA, District 3
"I'd like to congratulate HAF for its invaluable service in bringing awareness of, and dispelling stereotypes about, Hinduism. I extend many blessings and wishes for a happy Diwali and prosperous New Year to all! May we be guided to discover our inner light and joy, may all our actions be dharmic, and may goodness always triumph over evil."
Board Member Anjali Lathi, Union Sanitary, CA District
"Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a holy and auspicious occasion for many faiths. Sikhs celebrate Diwali to commemorate the day that our Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind, returned to Amritsar after being imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Jahangir at the Gwalior fort. Guru Hargobind had been imprisoned because of his political opposition to religious tyranny. Jahangir offered to free Guru Hargobind, but he refused to take his freedom until 52 Hindu princes who had also been detained for political reasons were also freed. Jahangir agreed only on the condition that only those who could hold onto the Guru's cloak would be allowed to leave. The Guru had 52 long tassels attached to his robe. 52 Hinduprinces held onto those tassels and walked out with Guru Hargobind. Diwali with prayers and lamps at Gurdwaras worldwide as "Bandi Chhor Diwas" or "the day of being released from prison." We as human beings are also imprisoned in the prisons of our own making -- the prisons of pride, ego, anger, greed and lust. Let us light a lamp in our hearts to free ourselves from the prisons of our own making, and to dispel ignorance, so we can truly become enlightened by divine knowledge."
Harmeet Dhillon, Candidate for California State Assembly, District 13
Interfaith
"It is my privilege in my capacity as Director of AJC's Department of Interreligious Affairs to send greetings and best wishes on behalf of our organization and community, to all who are celebrating Diwali. May this Festival of Lights illuminate your lives with joy and harmony and enlighten your paths and aspirations. The AJC profoundly treasures its growing friendship and cooperation with the Hindu communities in the US, India and elsewhere and is grateful for the close collaboration with the Hindu American Foundation. This last year was a historic one for Hindu-Jewish relations with the extremely successful second Hindu-Jewish leadership summit held in Jerusalem by the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha and the Chief Rabbinate of Israel under the auspices of the World Council of Religious Leaders. The AJC was privileged to co-sponsor this most notable gathering and we look forward to going from strength to strength together in the year ahead."
David Rosen, American Jewish Committee (AJC)
"As we celebrate the Festival of Lights - sacred to almost 1 billion Hindus - we wish that your lives are filled with light, as we pray for good to triumph over evil and usher in Ram Rajya."
Bawa Jain, World Council of Religious Leaders (WCORL)
"It gives me special pleasure to join my Hindu sisters and brothers in celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This is very significant because the light of knowledge extinguishes the flames of anger, hatred and jealousy through prayers and meditation. May this Diwali bring peace, prosperity and happiness for Indians of all race, color and religious affiliation."
Iftekhar Hai, UMA Interfaith Alliance
"I extend my hearty congratulations to all Indians living in America as well as in any part of the world on the occasion of Diwali (Deepavli). Deepavli - festival of lights, although a celebration of Hindu new year, has become a celebration for all Indians as Christmas is for all Americans in the USA. I wish all Hindus, Jains and Sikhs a very happy and prosperous new year."
Shafi Refai, United Muslims of America
"On behalf of Hindu Organization of Long Island (HOLI), I wish everyone a Happy Diwali. I would like to congratulate the staff of HAF for a job well done. HAF has done a commendable job in increasing the awareness of this inclusive Hindu tradition."
Urmila Shivaram, Hindu Organization of Long Island
Academia
"A Happy Diwali, and a blessed and prosperous year to all who read this message! With the lighting of the Diwali lamps, Hindus celebrate the victory of good over evil, as represented by Rama’s victorious return from his battle with Ravana, and honor Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment and personification of all that is good and auspicious. And for Jains, Diwali also commemorates the final nirvana and passing away of Mahavira, their great enlightened teacher, and the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of our current cosmic epoch. For many Hindus, Diwali also marks the beginning of a new year. We pray that the year to come brings more light and less darkness, more peace and prosperity and less conflict and poverty, not only for Hindus, but for all of humanity and for all living beings. In the words of the ancient universal prayer of the Upanishads: “Lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light, and from death to immortality.”
Professor Jeffery Long, Elizabethtown College
"Diwali is the "Festival of Lights," and light is a universal symbol for the Divine Presence. Whether the Fire in the Parsi agiari, or the Clear Light of Buddhist Emptiness, or the lights of Channukah, or the Christian "Way, Truth and Light," we are reminded that we all have the same object of our worship. In this spirit, we approach the One through our distinct sacred ways. As our leading swamis and rabbis jointly declared in New Delhi in 2007 and reaffirmed in Jerusalem in 2008, we worship the One Supreme Being, the Creator and Guide of the Cosmos who created humanity in a glorious diversity and who has communicated Divine ways of action for humanity, for different peoples in different times and places. In this spirit of affection and deep respect, I wish my Hindu sisters and brothers a blessed and joyous Diwali."
Professor Nathan Katz, Florida International University
