No. 123
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
212th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 20, 2006
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman UPENDRA J. CHIVUKULA
District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Whelan, Assemblywoman Stender, Assemblymen Schaer, Gordon, Fisher, Diegnan, Egan, Wisniewski, Assemblywoman Greenstein, Assemblymen Vas and Thompson
SYNOPSIS
Recognizes October 15 through November 14 of each year as “Diwali Month” in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution recognizing October 15 through November 14 of each year as “Diwali Month” in the State of New Jersey.
Whereas, Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in New Jersey and throughout the United States; and
Whereas, There are over 2,000,000 Indian Americans in the United States, of which approximately 200,000 are in New Jersey; and
Whereas, The word “Diwali” is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, which means “a row of lamps”; and
Whereas, Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace; and
Whereas, Celebrants of Diwali believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance; and
Whereas, The actual day of Diwali falls on the 15th day of the dark fortnight in the auspicious Hindu month of Kartik, or during the months of October and November on the Gregorian calendar, and comes 20 days after the popular festival of Dussehra and is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the new year for many Hindus; and
Whereas, For Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the victory of God over demonic forces; and
Whereas, For Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day that the sixth founding Sikh Guru, or revered teacher, Guru Hargobind, was released from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir; and
Whereas, For Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of moksha or liberation by Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, who were the great teachers of Jain dharma, at the end of his life in 527 B.C.; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. October 15 through November 14 of each year is designated as “Diwali Month” in New Jersey and celebrates the religious and historical significance of this festival.
2. The Governor is respectfully urged to annually issue a proclamation recognizing October 15 through November 14 as “Diwali Month” in New Jersey and calling upon public officials and the citizens of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution celebrates Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans in New Jersey and throughout the country, and designates October 15 through November 14 of each year as “Diwali Month” in New Jersey. Diwali is a festival of lights during which celebrants light lamps, place them around their homes, and pray for peace, health, and knowledge. Public officials and citizens of this State are urged to observe Diwali with appropriate activities and programs.