Bill Text: MI HR0330 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to recognize the historic, cultural, and religious significance of the Festival of Diwali.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-12-01 - Adopted [HR0330 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-HR0330-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.330
Reps. Kuppa, Garza, Gay-Dagnogo, Hope, Cynthia Johnson, Koleszar, Love, Pohutsky, Sabo, Sneller, Sowerby, Stone, Wittenberg and Witwer offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Diwali is celebrated annually every autumn by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Michigan, the United States, and throughout the world, with over 1 billion celebrants marking the holiday; and
Whereas, Diwali is a holy day, during which celebrants light small oil lamps and place them around the home. The lighting of lamps is followed by prayers for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and valor, and is recognized as the beginning of a new year for some Hindus; and
Whereas, The word “Diwali” is a shortened version of the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, which means “a row of lamps”; and in English is referred to as the “Festival of Lights;” 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, For Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the belief that light triumphs over darkness and good triumphs over evil; 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.; and
Whereas, Michigan remains resolute in its commitment to continue fostering diversity of experience and religious acceptance and Diwali is a time marked by qualities of togetherness, family, and community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the historic, cultural, and religious significance of the Festival of Diwali. We recognize the Diwali message of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance of others which resonates with the ideals of the American spirit; and be it further
Resolved, That we express respect and admiration to all those who celebrate the Diwali Festival throughout the world and in our own communities; and be it further
Resolved, That we call upon public officials and the citizens of Michigan to acknowledge and appreciate those who celebrate Diwali and the peace and prosperity that the holiday signifies.
