CAPAC Celebrates Diwali

Washington, DC – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to mark Diwali. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists across the world.

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: “Today, families across America and the world are celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Last week, we also celebrated the election of Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu American elected to serve in the U.S. Congress. Diwali observers add to the diverse and prosperous fabric of our nation, and I wish them all a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “Today, families in America and throughout the world observe the first day of Diwali, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights. Many Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists observe this important holiday by lighting the Diya lamp, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. This year’s holiday is made even more memorable with the election of the first Hindu member of Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, and the first Buddhist Senator, Mazie Hirono. Today, we wish our friends celebrating a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak.”

Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AS): "The celebration of Diwali, observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists across our Nation and throughout the world, commemorates the victory of good over evil, and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. Diwali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, focuses on the awareness of inner light and I am thankful that in this season we can also reflect on the beauty of our nation created through diverse communities joining together in unity. In this season of Diwali, we celebrate the first Hindu American elected to Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, who happens to be a native of my home of American Samoa. I am proud of Tulsi and all she has accomplished, and I wish all a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!"

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono (HI-02), CAPAC Education Taskforce Chair: “Families in Hawaii and around the world are joining together today to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights honoring knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. In this time of joy and reflection, I hope people of all religions can come together to recognize the common humanity that binds our many diverse communities. I wish all a Happy Diwali and a healthy, peaceful, and prosperous new year.”

Congresswoman Gerald Connolly (VA-11): “I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful Diwali to Hindu-Americans in Virginia and around the world.  Northern Virginia is fortunate to have a robust Indian-American community, and there will be many local celebrations.  As you commemorate the “festival of lights,” which symbolizes a lifting away of darkness, I wish you all the best, and I look forward to working with your community to further our shared goals.”

Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12): “Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak! Here is to the celebration of the vibrant and colorful holiday that has been growing ethnically and culturally all over the world! Diwali is a time to reflect on our family, core values, and a new prosperous vision for our future. It’s a festival that represents the celebration of light, a light that grows exponentially in each of us individually to grasp the meaningful beauties of our life.  I wish you and your family all the best in the year ahead.”  
 

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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.