Whereas, Diwali is a festival of lights and is celebrated in the Hindu religion; Diwali is a time where people visit each other, exchange girts, feast, feed the poor, and set off fireworks; this holiday last for 5 days and symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil; and
Whereas, 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 King Rama to the city of Ayodhya, in southern India, the festival marks Krishna’s defeat of the demon Narakasura, in western India, the festival celebrates the day Lord Vishnu sent the demon King Bali to rule the nether world, some people celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi and Vinshu, and other celebrate the birth of Lakshmi; and
Whereas, during Diwali diyas are lit and placed in temples, houses, and set adrift on rivers and streams, homes are decorated, and floors are filled with designs made up of colored rice or flower petals, and the doors and windows of houses are kept open in hope that Lakshmi will come and bless people with wealth and success; and
Whereas, on the first day of Diwali, Dhanteras, people clean their homes, purchase small items of gold, and worship Lakshmi; and
Whereas, 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; and
Whereas, on the third day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, people seek blessings from Lakshmi to ensure their prosperity, light diyas, candles, fireworks, and visit temples; and
Whereas, 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; and
Whereas, on the fifth day of Diwali, Bhai Dooj, the bond between brothers and sister is celebrated, and sisters pray for the success and well-being of their brothers; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Richmond at its regular meeting of November 28, 2023, recognizes the Diwali Festival of Lights holiday, on November 12th (retrospectively), and its significance to our Hindu population.
Eduardo Martinez, Co-sponsor Cesar Zepeda, Sponsor,
Mayor Councilmember District 2
Recognizing Diwali Festival of Lights
November 12, 2023