Dated: October 29, 2025
CELEBRATING DIWALI 2025
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 wellbeing; and WHEREAS, Diwali is a five-day festival and begins on October 18, 2025, and ends October 22, 2025, 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 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, nonharming, and restraint through their thoughts, words, and actions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco proclaims the Diwali 5-day celebration with the main day (Lakshmi Puja) on October 20, 2025, and calls upon our community to increase their awareness and understanding of the history of Diwali.
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Eddie Flores, Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Vice Mayor
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Mark Nagales, Councilmember
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Councilmember