CA AR94

Recognizes the 2020 Diwali festival on Saturday, November 14, 2020, and encourages Californians to participate in the celebration.

Acknowledges Diwali as a significant religious and cultural holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, with approximately 3.23 million Hindus in the United States.

Explains the meaning and traditions of Diwali, including the lighting of oil lamps symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the destruction of negative qualities.

Recognizes the different religious significance of Diwali for various faiths: for Hindus as thanksgiving for Lord Rama's homecoming, for Sikhs as the liberation of Guru Hargobind, for Jains as Mahavira's attainment of moksha, and for Buddhists as Emperor Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism.

Expresses the Assembly's respect for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora worldwide on this significant occasion.