To: President Donald Trump, The United States House of Representatives, and The United States Senate
Diwali - Holiday/ Acknowledge on Calendar
Several holidays are celebrated and recognized as public holidays in the United States of America. Unfortunately, Diwali, as of great importance to a lot of Americans especially those of Hindu faith, is not regarded as such !
Why is this important?
Diwali is an official holiday in India, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Fiji. Diwali is also considered a national festival in India and Nepal, and in many states in the U.S.A, many families celebrate this holiday. At this point it's 2016 and the holiday is not even listed on the calendar, let alone as a national holiday. We see so many other religious holidays listed and observed; why is our population any different? I am not only speaking for myself but I am speaking for the tens of thousands who have tried over and over for this and were turned down. We have a fragile generation and in order for us to preserve our culture it has to be recognized first and foremost and respected by the White House.
Diwali is also spelled as Deewali, Divali, Dipavali, or Deepavali. Diwali means "the awareness of the inner light". Or better yet known as our New Year !
Diwali is the biggest festival in India and is considered the Hindu version of Christmas/New Year's. Many observe this holiday quietly in a temple or at home. The five-day festival begins on the 14th day of the dark half of the Hindu calendar month Asvina. The celebration of inner light is welcomed with the concept of universal compassion and mindful awareness that brings happiness, also known as Ananda.
We should teach our generations to come to embrace cultural change; that includes individuals of all or no religious beliefs. Together, if we can give a simple gesture of acknowledgement , we will have faith change and prosperity is possible! Let's get Diwali on the calendar and make it a national holiday! Please, please, proud Hindu!
Diwali is also spelled as Deewali, Divali, Dipavali, or Deepavali. Diwali means "the awareness of the inner light". Or better yet known as our New Year !
Diwali is the biggest festival in India and is considered the Hindu version of Christmas/New Year's. Many observe this holiday quietly in a temple or at home. The five-day festival begins on the 14th day of the dark half of the Hindu calendar month Asvina. The celebration of inner light is welcomed with the concept of universal compassion and mindful awareness that brings happiness, also known as Ananda.
We should teach our generations to come to embrace cultural change; that includes individuals of all or no religious beliefs. Together, if we can give a simple gesture of acknowledgement , we will have faith change and prosperity is possible! Let's get Diwali on the calendar and make it a national holiday! Please, please, proud Hindu!