November 28, 2023
City Council
DATE: November 28, 2023
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Zepeda and Mayor Martinez
Subject:
Diwali Festival of Lights
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact related to this item.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Diwali Festival of Lights is one of the most important holidays in India. It has been recognized for over 2,000 years.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION recognizing the Diwali Festival of
Lights holiday, on November 12th, and its significance to the City of Richmond’s Hindu populations –
Councilmember Cesar Zepeda (510-620-6593) and
Mayor Eduardo Martinez (510-620-6503).
DISCUSSION:
The City of Richmond recognizes the sacred holiday, the Diwali Festival of Lights holiday, on November 12th (retrospectively), and its significance to our Hindu population.
Diwali is a festival of lights and is celebrated in the Hindu religion. Diwali is a time where people visit each other, exchange gifts, feast, feed the poor, and set off fireworks. This AGENDA
REPORT
November 28, 2023
holiday last for 5 days and symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali is celebrated differently based on traditions and regions. Hindus light up lamps filled with oil, known as diyas, on the night of the new moon to invite the presence of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In Bengal, the goddess Kali is worshiped. In northern India, the festival celebrates the royal homecoming of Rama to the city of Ayodhya. In southern India, the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura.
On the first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, people clean their homes, purchase small items of gold, and worship Lakshmi. On the second day of Diwali, Naraka Chaturdashi, Krishna’s destruction of Narakasura is celebrated, and people offer prayers for the souls of their ancestors. On the third day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, people seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity, light diyas, candles, fireworks, and visit temples. On the fourth day of Diwali, Goverdhan Puja, Krishna’s defeat of Indra is celebrated, the king of gods, and this day is the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in Vikrama, the Hindu calendar, and merchants perform religious ceremonies. On the fifth day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, the bond between brothers and sisters are celebrated, and sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers.
It is customary to release the issues of the past year and start anew. The Richmond City Council urges Richmond residents to learn more about Diwali and to join the various activities honoring the Diwali Festival of Lights.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1– Proclamation recognizing Diwali Festival of Lights