Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, Diwali or Deepavali, is celebrated in autumn of each year by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhist, and others throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and around the world; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by lighting the Diya, or oil lamp, which symbolizes dispelling darkness and bringing light into life with traditional offerings, rituals, and festivals; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is a festival of lights that includes many traditions such as gathering with friends and family for community prayer, exchanging gifts, setting off fireworks, and decorating houses with colorful rangolis; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is also the Hindu New Year, and it is celebrated on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar; and

WHEREAS, for Hindus, Diwali is celebration of good triumphing over evil, and that light will prevail over darkness; and  

WHEREAS, for Sikhs, Diwali is the day on which the sixth founding Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from confinement by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir; and

WHEREAS, for Jains, Diwali symbolizes Lord Mahavira attainment of Nirvana; and 

WHEREAS, for Buddhists, Diwali represents the day Emperor Ashoka chose the peaceful path of Buddhism over destruction and carnage; and 

WHEREAS, diversity represents one of our greatest strengths, and Virginia joins with all those around the world celebrating Diwali;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize November 12-16, 2020, as DIWALI in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our residents. Saal Mubarak.