Draft Proclamation
City of SantaClara
WHEREAS, over one billion celebrants worldwide reverently observe the festival of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights” symbolizing the victory of dharma, and good over evil; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals of great significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is a festival of lights during which celebrants light diyas, small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for knowledge, peace, and universal well-being; and
WHEREAS, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12 this year in accordance with the lunar calendar, and brings together families, friends, and communities here in the U.S. and around the globe in goodwill, peace, and a shared sense of renewal; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress officially passed unanimous resolutions since 2007 recognizing the religious and historical significance of Diwali; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is a time for dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service) by bringing light in the form of wisdom, knowledge, nourishment, and shelter in order to alleviate the tangible forms of suffering, such as hunger, disease, and poverty; and
WHEREAS, celebrants renew their commitment to upholding values of truth, non-harming, and restraint through their thoughts, words, and actions; and
WHEREAS, the shared Indian holiday of Diwali signifies a special time of peace and serenity with the hope of building bridges of understanding and tearing down barriers of intolerance;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA M. GILLMOR, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim the celebration on this November 12, 2023 as
Diwali
in the City of Santa Clara, and do hereby call upon all residents to increase their awareness and understanding of the history and tradition of Diwali.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Santa Clara, California, this 7th day of November 2023.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR
City of Santa Clara
Proclamation