H.Res. 824

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 824 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 824

Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival 
of Diwali.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 21, 2025

Mr. Krishnamoorthi (for himself, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. 
Khanna, Mr. Bera, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. McCaul, Mrs. 
Watson Coleman, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Beyer, Mr. Walkinshaw, Mr. Pallone, Mr. 
Sherman, Ms. Jacobs, Mr. Goldman of New York, Ms. Chu, Mr. Castro of 
Texas, Ms. Lofgren, Mrs. Fletcher, Ms. Ross, Ms. Omar, Mr. Carson, and 
Mr. Gottheimer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

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RESOLUTION

Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival 
of Diwali.

Whereas, for millions of Indian-Americans, Diwali (or Deepavali) is a time for 
thanksgiving and prayer for health, knowledge, and peace;
Whereas Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian-Americans, is 
celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others throughout the 
United States;
Whereas Diwali is a festival of lights, during which celebrants light small oil 
lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and 
peace;
Whereas celebrants of Diwali believe that the rows of lamps symbolize the light 
within the individual that rids the soul of the darkness of ignorance;
Whereas Diwali falls on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar and 
is celebrated as a day of thanksgiving and the beginning of the New Year 
for many Hindus;
Whereas, for Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of the belief that light triumphs 
over darkness, and good triumphs over evil;
Whereas, for Sikhs, Diwali is feted as the day on which the sixth founding Sikh 
guru, Guru Hargobind, was released from captivity by the Mughal Emperor 
Jehangir;
Whereas, for Jains, Diwali marks the anniversary of the attainment of Nirvana by 
Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras (founders of the Jain 
philosophy); and
Whereas Diwali is a celebration of great importance in Indian-American 
communities throughout the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the historical and religious significance of 
Diwali;
(2) in observance of Diwali, the festival of lights, 
expresses its deepest respect for Indian-Americans and the 
Indian diaspora throughout the world on this significant 
occasion;
(3) recognizes and appreciates the religious diversity in 
both India and the United States and throughout the world; and
(4) acknowledges and supports the relationship of 
collaboration and respect between the United States and India.
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