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 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 Monday, October 20th of 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 signif icance of Diwali and California has recently become the third U.S. state to designate Diwali as an official statewide holiday commencing January 1, 2026; 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 City of Santa Clara, do hereby proclaim the celebration on October 20, 2025 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 21st day of October 2025.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR, CITY OF SANTA CLARA
KELLY G. COX
VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 6
ALBERT GONZALEZ
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 1
RAJ CHAHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 2
KAREN HARDY
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 3
KEVIN PARK
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 4
SUDS JAIN
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 5
Proclamation