CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — An Illinois lawmaker is among those looking to add a new federal holiday to the U.S. calendar.
Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and other members of the India Caucus are set to propose a bill this week that would make Diwali a federal holiday.
“It’s celebrated by hundreds of millions of people around the world,” he said. “People of the Hindu faith, Sikh and Jain faith, but also, people of all stripes of Indian origin, regardless of their faith or religious traditions.”
Krishnamoorthi said Diwali’s themes of good versus evil, light over darkness and knowledge prevailing over ignorance should unite everyone, regardless of faith or political affiliation.
“When so many people are worried about the rise of prejudice, bigotry or hate, I think it’s all the more important to educate people about other backgrounds so that we can all live more in harmony, tolerance and inclusion,” he continued.
The five-day festival of lights begins Thursday. But what is Diwali?
National Geographic says, "Diwali, or Dipawali, is India's biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians."
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DIWALI IS CELEBRATED OVER FIVE DAYS.
DAY ONE: People clean their homes and shop for gold or kitchen utensils to bring good fortune.
DAY TWO: People decorate their homes with clay lamps and create design patterns called 'rangoli' on the floor using colored powders or sand.
DAY THREE: On the main day of the festival, families gather together for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi, followed by feasts and fireworks.
DAY FOUR: This is the first day of the new year, when friends and relatives visit with gifts and greetings for the season.
DAY FIVE: Brothers visit their married sisters, who welcome them with a meal.