City of SantaClara
WHEREAS, Diwali, widely known as the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated by more than one billion people worldwide and holds profound religious, cultural, and historical significance for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil and is traditionally celebrated through the lighting of diyas, small oil lamps that symbolize hope, enlightenment, and the dispelling of darkness, as families and communities gather to offer prayers for peace, prosperity, wisdom, and universal well-being; and WHEREAS, Diwali will be observed on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in accordance with the lunar calendar, bringing together families, friends, and communities throughout the United States and around the world in a spirit of goodwill, unity, peace, and renewal; and WHEREAS, Diwali embodies the principles of dana (charitable giving) and seva (selfless service), encouraging acts of generosity, compassion, and service to others through the sharing of knowledge, nourishment, shelter, and resources to help alleviate suffering caused by hunger, illness, poverty, and other hardships and inspires individuals to reflect upon and renew their commitment to the values of truth, nonviolence, compassion, self-discipline, and respect for others, fostering harmony through their thoughts, words, and actions; and WHEREAS, Diwali serves as a meaningful celebration of cultural heritage, spiritual reflection, and community unity, promoting peace, mutual understanding, and the building of bridges across diverse cultures and traditions while encouraging the elimination of prejudice, discrimination, and intolerance; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clara proudly recognizes the rich cultural and religious diversity of its community and reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful community where all residents are valued and celebrated.
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 the 8th of November 2026, 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 20th day of October 2026.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR, CITY OF SANTA CLARA
ALBERT GONZALEZ
VICE MAYOR, DISTRICT 1
RAJ CHAHAL
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 2
KAREN HARDY
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 3
KEVIN PARK
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 4
SUDS JAIN
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 5
KELLY G. COX
COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 6
Proclamation