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2013 SESSION

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HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 550 Designating the last Saturday in October, in 2013 and in each succeeding year, as Diwali Day in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 25, 2013 Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2013

 

WHEREAS, Diwali Day, a five-day festival with its origins in India and commonly known as the “festival of lights,” is celebrated in a multitude of locations across the United States and around the world; and

WHEREAS, Diwali Day begins on Dhanteras, the day on which most Indian business communities begin their financial year; and

WHEREAS, the second day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama; and

WHEREAS, the third day of the festival, Amavasya, notes the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and the story of Lord Vishnu, who, in a dwarf incarnation, vanquished King Bali; and

WHEREAS, the fourth day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, marks when King Bali went to Patala, or the underworld, to reign; and

WHEREAS, the fifth day of Diwali, Yama Dvitiya, is when sisters invite their brothers to their homes in remembrance of when Yamaraj, the god of death, visited his sister Yami; and

WHEREAS, the Indian American community makes many contributions to the economic growth and development of the Commonwealth with highly educated professionals and entrepreneurs who work in a variety of fields, open new businesses, and create jobs, all while continuing to observe and celebrate their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Diwali Day brings together members of the Indian community as they celebrate with family gatherings, fireworks, lights, and special foods; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the last Saturday in October, in 2013 and in each succeeding year, as Diwali Day in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this day on the General Assembly’s website.