Bill Text: IL SR1287 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Declares October 31, 2024 as Diwali Day in the State of Illinois.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced) 2024-11-13 - Referred to Assignments [SR1287 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR1287-Introduced.html

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SR1287 LRB103 43059 MST 76312 r
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that
takes place in autumn and represents 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, While Diwali is important to each faith for
different reasons, the holiday retains the unifying theme of
the triumph of good over evil or "light over darkness", and
this focus on light is why it is known as the festival of
lights; and
WHEREAS, Celebrants of Diwali light small oil lamps and
place them around their homes, with the lights symbolizing the
light within each individual that rids the soul of the
darkness of ignorance; and
WHEREAS, Celebrants also pray, craft flower garlands,
place floating candles in water, share sweets, and make

SR1287 - 2 - LRB103 43059 MST 76312 r
lanterns, which they then display in their homes or send them
into the night sky; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by four million Indian
Americans in the United States and by millions more worldwide;
and
WHEREAS, Illinois understands 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