Bill Text: IL SR0593 | 2021-2022 | 102nd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Declares November 4, 2021 "Diwali Day".

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2021-10-28 - Resolution Adopted [SR0593 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2021-SR0593-Introduced.html

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SR0593 LRB102 21143 MST 30139 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that
takes place in autumn and is a festival of new beginnings,
celebrating good over evil and light over darkness; and
WHEREAS, The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word
Deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps"; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus,
Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and each religion marks different
events and stories; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is important to each faith for different
reasons; the common factor in the understanding of the holiday
is the triumph of good over evil, of "light over darkness";
this focus on light is why it is known as the festival of
lights; and
WHEREAS, Celebrants light small oil lamps and place them
around their homes; the lights symbolize the light within each
individual, the light that rids the soul of ignorance; and
WHEREAS, Celebrants pray, craft flower garlands, place
floating candles in water, share sweets, make lanterns, and
display them in their homes or send them into the night sky;

SR0593 - 2 - LRB102 21143 MST 30139 r
and
WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by four million Indian
Americans in the U.S. and by millions more worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Illinois recognizes the cultural significance of
Diwali and the religious diversity in Illinois, the U.S., and
the world; and
WHEREAS, The message of Diwali resonates with Illinoisans,
Americans, and citizens of the world now more than ever;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare November 4,
2021 "Diwali Day" in honor of the people in Illinois and across
the nation who celebrate this significant holiday.