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2018 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 135
Designating January 14, in 2018 and in each succeeding year, as Makar Sankranti Day in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 12, 2018
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2018

 

WHEREAS, Makar Sankranti is one of the main festivals celebrating the importance of the harvest in India; and

WHEREAS, similar to Thanksgiving Day in the United States, Makar Sankranti is a festival of thanksgiving to mother nature, the earth, farm animals, and the sun in the form of Lord Surya for the resources necessary for a bountiful yield of crops; and

WHEREAS, Makar Sankranti is a festival that falls mostly on January 14; it marks the first day of the sun’s transit into the Makara (Capricorn); and

WHEREAS, the festivities associated with Makar Sankranti are known by various regional names such as Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in northern India, Makara Sankranti (Pedda Panduga) in Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, Sukarat in central India, Magh Biju in Assam, and Pongal in Tamil Nadu; and

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

WHEREAS, Makar Sankranti Day brings together members of the Indian American community as they celebrate with gatherings, decorations, and special foods; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate January 14, in 2018 and in each succeeding year, as Makar Sankranti Day in Virginia; and, be it

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