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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that 
3takes place in autumn and is a festival of new beginnings, 
4celebrating good over evil and light over darkness; and
 
5    WHEREAS, The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word 
6Deepavali, meaning "rows of lighted lamps"; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, 
8Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, and each religion marks different 
9events and stories; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Diwali is important to each faith for different 
11reasons; the common factor in the understanding of the holiday 
12is the triumph of good over evil, of "light over darkness"; 
13this focus on light is why it is known as the festival of 
14lights; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Celebrants light small oil lamps and place them 
16around their homes; the lights symbolize the light within each 
17individual, the light that rids the soul of ignorance; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Diwali lies not just in lighting lamps but in 
19lighting lives through compassion, gratitude, and 
20togetherness; and
 
 
 
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1    WHEREAS, Diwali reminds us of something deeper, that each 
2of us has a light within, capable of spreading warmth, hope, 
3and kindness; and
 
4    WHEREAS, The message of Diwali resonates with Illinoisans, 
5Americans, and citizens of the world now more than ever; 
6therefore, be it
 
7    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL 
8ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare October 20, 
92025 as Diwali Day in the State of Illinois in honor of the 
10people of the State and across the nation who celebrate this 
11significant holiday.