CAPAC members celebrate Diwali

Washington, D.C. (Nov. 10, 2015) — Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) on Tuesday released the following statements in honor of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across the world:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“I am proud to join millions in the United States and around the world in celebrating Diwali this week. As we light up our diyas and share in this joyous festival with family and friends, we are reminded that this holiday is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I wish everyone celebrating Diwali my best wishes and Saal Mubarak!”

Congressman Michael Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:

“As we view images from around the world of lit Diyas, or oil lamps, illuminating the night sky during this year’s joyous Festival of Lights, let us reflect on the meaning behind this symbolic tradition—namely, the triumph of light over dark, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. To all those celebrating in Silicon Valley, the United States, and around the globe, I wish you a joyous Diwali.”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07), Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans Co-Chair:

“Last week almost 1,000 people came together in Washington to celebrate this special occasion, marking the largest ever Congressional Diwali to recognize who we are as a community and what we have accomplished together. Diwali is celebrated by nearly a billion people around the world and more than two million people in the U.S. I look forward to continuing to grow this celebration and wish all who are celebrating this week a Happy Diwali.”

Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34), House Democratic Caucus Chairman:

“Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak to all those who are celebrating. May the festival of lights bring peace to you and your family!”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, truth over untruth, righteousness over wrong. Let it inspire us to set aside our differences, and find ways to work together towards the greater and common good. No matter who we are, no matter what our race, religion, economic status, gender, age, or any other material consideration, each of us can use our lives in the loving service of God and of mankind, according to our own abilities. So as we light our lamps for Diwali, let us light the lamps of love for God within our hearts. Let us share the light of His unconditional love for us, and celebrate Diwali by doing what we can to bring about positive change in the world.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“I am proud to join my CAPAC colleagues and millions of people around the world in celebrating Diwali. The Festival of Lights celebrates the triumph of light, goodness, knowledge and hope. In cultures around the world, Diwali is a time of peace and celebration for families and communities. I wish all those celebrating a happy Diwali!”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33):

“Today, families in California’s 33rd Congressional District and around the world will join in celebrating the triumph of good over evil—the first day of Diwali, or the festival of lights. Friends and families will come together on this special day and reflect on the importance of trust, friendship, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is an all-inclusive holiday, emphasizing our shared values of peace, unity, and compassion. From my family to yours, Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak to all.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

“As New Yorkers and individuals across the globe begin to observe Diwali, I am honored to extend my very best wishes to all who celebrate the holiday.

“Diwali is a wonderful and special time for family and friends to come together, reflect, and commemorate the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

“This vibrant holiday continues to grow and increase in popularity, and as it becomes more well known, I reaffirm my call for the creation of a Diwali postage stamp, an initiative that I’ve been proud to push the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on with Rep. Carolyn Maloney and others. I’d also like to see a school holiday created for Diwali in New York City.

“As we celebrate this year’s holiday, I wish everybody who observes the festival of lights, much prosperity in the year ahead. Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak!”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46):

“I wish a happy Diwali to all the families and communities celebrating this joyful holiday across the world. This wonderful tradition encourages reflection and renewal, and celebrates the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over dark. As a proud member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I hope the festival of lights brings you peace, prosperity, and happiness for the year to come.”

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08):

“Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, and reminds us that the diverse faiths and religious traditions recognized in America enrich us all. It is a time for celebration with friends and family, and it is a time to remember our obligation to the less fortunate as we recommit ourselves during this holiday season to serving our community.”

The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.