LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the South Asian community of
the State of New York upon the occasion of celebrating the Festival of
Diwali and the Festival of Holi

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of this great Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to the South Asian community of the State of New York upon the occa-
sion of celebrating the Festival of Diwali and the Festival of Holi; and
WHEREAS, The Festival of Diwali (Festival of Lights) and the Festival
of Holi (Festival of Colors) are two major holidays that have religious
and historical significance for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains; and
WHEREAS, The word Diwal is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term
Deepavali, which translated means "a row of lamps"; Diwali is a Festival
of Lights, during which time celebrants light small oil lamps, then
place them around their homes, and pray for health, knowledge and peace;
and
WHEREAS, Celebrants of Diwali believe that the "rows of lamps" symbol-
ize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness
of ignorance; and
WHEREAS, Diwali, which falls on the last day of the month in the lunar
calendar, is celebrated as both a day of thanksgiving and the beginning
of the new year for many Hindus; it is a celebration of the victory of
good over evil; and
WHEREAS, For the Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth
founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind ji, was released
from captivity from the ruling Mughal Emperor; and
WHEREAS, For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of
moksha or liberation by Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were
the great teachers of Jain dharma, at the end of his life in 527 B.C.;
and
WHEREAS, The Festival of Holi (Festival of Colors) is celebrated by
people throwing colored powder and colored water at each other; bonfires
are lit the day before in memory of the miraculous escape of young Prah-
lad when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the
fire; and
WHEREAS, Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vish-
nu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are approximately 250,000 people who make up
the South Asian community in New York City alone; furthermore, there are
300 Hindu, Sikh, and Jain families of South Asian origin residing in
Rockland County; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to recognize
those organizations and its members of true purpose and worthy accom-
plishment who provide opportunities to celebrate their rich ethnic
flavor and who strive to preserve their cultural heritage; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the South Asian community of the State of New York upon the
occasion of celebrating the Festival of Diwali and the Festival of Holi;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the India Cultural Society of Rockland County, 10 Ingram
Court, Pearl River, New York 10965.