CAPAC Celebrates Diwali

Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to mark Diwali, the festival of lights:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“On Sunday, families across the United States and all over the world will celebrate Diwali, the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. During this time of joy and reflection, we are reminded of the strength that diverse cultures and traditions add to the fabric of our nation. I wish everyone celebrating the festival of lights a happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“I am delighted to commemorate Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali has a rich cultural history, celebrating the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. This celebration is one of the most important holidays in Indian culture, and a time for families to reunite and enjoy each other's company. I warmly wish everyone a Happy Diwali.”

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14), Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus and co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans:
“I'm proud to join my colleagues in sending best wishes to all those who are celebrating the Festival of Lights. Diwali is a wonderful time for celebration for so many people around the world, and it's also a chance here in the United States to increase understanding about the importance of diversity and cultural understanding. Happy Diwail!”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Whip:
“Throughout the United States and around the world, people are joining together to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights that honors knowledge over ignorance and the triumph of good over evil. As a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, I was honored to join my colleagues for the first-ever Congressional Diwali celebration earlier this week. For all the families celebrating Diwali across the globe, happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07), CAPAC Health Taskforce Co-Chair:
“Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain people across America and around the world, marking the universal message of triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. It was an honor to celebrate this holiday and the diversity that makes our country great earlier this week at the first-ever Congressional Diwali reception. I wish all who are celebrating around the world a happy Diwali!”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), CAPAC Executive Board Member:
“As we light the lamps on Diwali, let it be a time to reflect upon the truth that real happiness and true success comes from being of service to the Lord and others and not just living for yourself. Diwali is observed as the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and as a time of spiritual renewal. During this contentious time in Washington, the selfless message of Diwali has great relevance.  I wish all those who share in this celebration a very happy Diwali!”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC Economic Development Taskforce Chair:
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest wishes to all those in New York, the United States and around the world who are celebrating Diwali. Diwali, known as the festival of lights, is a special time for family and friends to come together, and commemorate knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. As we observe this year’s holiday, I reaffirm my call for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to issue a stamp that commemorates Diwali, an effort I’m proud to be part of with Rep. Carolyn Maloney and others. Issuing a Diwali stamp would be a tremendous way to commemorate the outstanding vibrancy of the Hindu American and Indian-American communities, and pay tribute to the exceptional contributions that they have made to our nation. The USPS has already issued stamps for several major holidays, and now it’s time for them to do the same for Diwali. I wish everybody and their families happiness, good health and much prosperity in the year ahead.”

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09):
“This Sunday, the celebration of Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, will be observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists across our country and around the world.  It honors the triumph of knowledge over ignorance and of good over evil.  I wish everyone a happy Diwali and look forward to continuing our work to promote unity and understanding in our communities.”

Background:
Diwali is a multi-day festival celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists throughout the United States and around the world. Diwali is celebrated across the United States through parades, observances, and special events. The first day of observance begins this Sunday, November 3, 2013.

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.