CAPAC Members Celebrate Diwali
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across the United States and the world:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“Happy Diwali to all who celebrate across our AANHPI communities! Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This bright occasion is an opportunity to celebrate our unity as a community and embrace the diversity that surrounds us. On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I hope your Diwali is joyous, peaceful, and full of prosperity.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“I’m thrilled to wish a happy Diwali to all who celebrate in Queens and across the country! I am proud to sponsor the Diwali Day Act, which would make Diwali a federal holiday and recognize the millions of Americans who observe the annual celebration. Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the spirit of unity. I hope this year’s Festival of Lights brings prosperity and joy to all.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“This Diwali, let us celebrate the victory of knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Wishing all those who celebrate a joyous festival of lights!”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“Happy Diwali! As we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, Diwali reminds us that we all have the power to bring goodness into the world. May this holiday inspire us to embrace hope, joy, and community as we work together toward an even brighter future. Have a safe and happy Festival of Lights!”
Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):
“Diwali is more than a festive occasion— it’s a powerful reminder to uphold light over darkness and goodness over evil. As the longest-serving Indian American in Congress, I’m proud to join my CAPAC colleagues in wishing everyone celebrating across the United States and around the world a joyful, safe, and prosperous Diwali!”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):
“Diwali reminds us light must always triumph over darkness. As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, let us all recommit to centering freedom and righteousness in our work and our communities. And as we do, let us also come together to push back against all forms of hate, xenophobia, racism, and Islamophobia, and ensure these forces have no place in our country. To all who celebrate, I wish you a joyous Diwali – and as the first South Asian American woman ever elected to Congress, I vow to continue uplifting the voices and traditions we hold dear.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Wishing everyone in CA-17 and across the country a happy Diwali! This is a time to reflect and celebrate the triumph of light over darkness and goodness over evil. May this wonderful holiday inspire us for a brighter future as we commemorate everything good in this life.”
Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):
“Happy Diwali to everyone gathering to celebrate in communities across New Jersey and around the world. I wish you all a joyous and prosperous Festival of Lights as the holiday reminds us of the triumph of good over evil. May the light of the diyas be a source of reflection and renewal for the new year.”
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08):
“As an Indian American serving in Congress, it brings me immense pride to see so many celebrate the Festival of Lights and reflect on the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. With the light of the Diya lamp shining for all the Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrating around the world, I'm proud to join my colleagues in wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Diwali festival.”
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):
“As a proud Indian-American member of Congress, I'm honored to join my Asian Pacific American Caucus Colleagues in saying Happy Diwali to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and everyone celebrating across America! As a nation, we are undergoing challenging times, with attacks and discrimination against the Indian diaspora at an all time high. During these tough moments, the message of Diwali serves as an inspiration to us all. This Festival of Lights, we celebrate the triumph of good over evil, love over hate, and a renewal of our spirit.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06):
"Diwali is a celebration of light, love, and the triumph of good over evil—a reminder that even the smallest flicker can illuminate the darkest night. Wishing everyone celebrating in Michigan and around the world a prosperous Diwali and encourage us all to recognize that there is always more that unites us than divides us. May we carry light wherever we go and remember that together, we are stronger."
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in wishing a happy Diwali to all who celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil in the Houston area and across the country. I hope this season of joy, festivities, and warmth ushers in brighter days ahead.”
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37):
“Happy Diwali to all those celebrating in Los Angeles and across the globe! Diwali reminds us that light will triumph over darkness and good over evil—when faced with challenges, we must remember the teachings of Diwali and hold onto hope. May the Festival of Lights bring joy, laughter, and warmth to you and your family.”
Rep. Rob Menendez (NJ-08):
“Diwali is an important reminder of the power of light over darkness and good over evil. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across New Jersey and the United States celebrate, I’m sending my best wishes for peace, joy, and prosperity throughout the year ahead!”
Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):
“Warm wishes for a joyful Diwali to everyone in California’s 15th Congressional District and around the world. The Festival of Lights serves as a powerful reminder of the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. In these divided times, let us hold onto the hope that unites us all. To those celebrating, may your Diwali be safe, joyous, and filled with radiant light.”
Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03):
“Wishing a happy Diwali to all those celebrating in Massachusetts, across the country, and around the world! During difficult moments of division and uncertainty, Diwali reminds us that light triumphs over darkness, good prevails over evil, and hope overcomes despair. I hope this season of joy, festivities, and light brings a renewed hope for all who celebrate.