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CAPAC Members Celebrate Diwali

October 22, 2014

Washington, DC – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to celebrate the start of 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-27), CAPAC Chair:  
“Today marks the start of Diwali for many families across America and around the world. Known as the ‘festival of lights,’ this holiday symbolizes the lifting of spiritual darkness and the victory of righteousness. As we observe this joyous occasion, let us also take a moment to celebrate how the diverse cultures of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists add to the fabric of our nation and move our country forward. With great happiness and enthusiasm, I wish everyone celebrating a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Michael Honda (CA-17), Chair Emeritus:
“As we view images from around the world of lit Diyas, or oil lamps, illuminating the night sky during this year’s joyous Festival of Lights, let us reflect on the meaning behind this symbolic tradition—namely, the triumph of light over dark, good over evil,  and knowledge over ignorance. May we better represent these values in the coming year for ourselves and for each other. To all those celebrating this wonderful occasion across Silicon Valley, the nation, and the world, Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14), Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans Co-Chair:
“I send my best wishes to all those celebrating Diwali, both here in the U.S. and around the globe. This meaningful festival is about the pursuit of light over darkness, good over evil. It is a time for reflection and renewal, and it is a time for peace. As people from many backgrounds come together to celebrate Diwali, let us all be reminded of the important message of compassion and community. Happy Diwali!”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):
“To the millions who are celebrating around the globe, I wish you a happy Diwali. During this festival, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains recognize the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. As the only Indian American currently serving in Congress, I’m honored to join with those celebrating and my fellow Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus members in marking this special occasion.”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):
“As we light our lamps on the first day of Diwali, it is a time for us to reflect on the true meaning of Diwali, in our own lives. This holiday is a joyous occasion for many of us as we reflect on the year behind us and renew our spirits for the year to come. The ‘festival of lights’ not only serves as a symbol of the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, but also prompts us to focus on what each of us can do in the service of God and others. This selfless message is a timeless one that we can apply in our lives every single day. I wish all those who are celebrating in Hawai‘i and around the world a happy Diwali!”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):  
“This week, families and communities across California, the United States and the world come together to celebrate, Diwali, the festival of lights. This holiday celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. I wish all those that are celebrating a happy Diwali.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):
“It is a great pleasure to wish a happy Diwali to all who observe the holiday. The festival of lights is a joyous occasion. It is a special time for family and friends to come together, and celebrate good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As we mark this year’s holiday, I once again call for the U.S. Postal Service to issue a stamp that commemorates Diwali, an effort that I’ve been proud to work on with Rep. Carolyn Maloney and others. I send my best and warmest wishes to all the people, families and communities throughout New York and around the world who celebrate the holiday, and I wish everybody happiness, good health and prosperity in the year ahead.”

Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11):
“I want to extend my warmest wishes for a joyful Diwali to Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Virginia and around the world. Northern Virginia is fortunate to have many local celebrations. As you commemorate the ‘festival of lights,’ which symbolizes a lifting away of darkness, I wish you happiness, prosperity and peace.”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):  
“I’m proud to join communities across San Diego and the world as they celebrate Diwali and the message of good triumphing over evil, and light over darkness. Our country is enriched by cultural diversity. It has been an honor to join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to celebrate this diversity, and I wish the best to everyone celebrating Diwali.”

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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.