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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION CELEBRATING DIWALI
WHEREAS, Diwali is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, lasting for five days from the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina to the second day of the light half of the lunar month Karttika; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali originated in India more than 2,500 years ago; each of the five days celebrates the valuable heritage of the culture, pours forth value in terms of family unity, gratitude, and spirituality; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali has unique meanings and rituals representing cultural values and spiritual beliefs outlined in its five-day celebration: Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj; and,
WHEREAS, the name Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning row of lights. The festival generally symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Another name for Diwali, Deepavali, means garland of lights; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali is India’s most important festival of the year, recognized as a time to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali is observed amongst more than a billion people from a variety of faiths across India and its diaspora, marked by prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving; and,
WHEREAS, Diwali is also a celebration of the Hindu goddess of wealth and good fortune, Lakshmi; and,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, however celebrated, the spirit of Diwali is universal, with the belief that, eventually, light will triumph over darkness; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County does hereby celebrate Diwali.
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