By Sam Shrestha (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Indian Festival of Lights, more commonly known as Diwali, has made its way to the United States House of Representatives. India West reports that Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to acknowledge the significance the holiday has to countless Indian Americans.
Over the past few years, Diwali has been celebrated at the White House in some form. In 2013 Michelle Obama even hosted a Bollywood dance class in honor of the festival. Mayor Bill De Blasio of the 5th Congressional District of New York, and RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel both took to Twitter to wish their constituents this past Diwali.
Wishing a happy festival of lights to our Hindu, Jain, and Sikh friends as we celebrate Diwali. Saal Mubarak!
— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) October 19, 2017
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Happy Diwali to all those celebrating! May wisdom always triumph over ignorance. pic.twitter.com/IlNECoQjip
— Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) October 18, 2017
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Considering the impact the festival has had on the American community these past couple of years, five lawmakers have supported Krishnamoorthi’s resolution: Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Joe Crowley, and Tulsi Gabbard.
Representative Ami Bera stated that “the Indian American community represents the best of the American dream and I ask everyone to raise a light in celebration. Over the next decade, I look forward to building Washington as another hub for members of our community.”
American culture is built on the integration of multiple cultures, and this resolution is a step that will do just that.
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