Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Delivers Welcome Address, Lights Ceremonial Diya at Diwali Celebration

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) delivered opening remarks and lit the ceremonial lantern at the annual Diwali Celebration on Capitol Hill. The congresswoman, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Asia-Pacific Subcommittee and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, spoke about the unifying message of Diwali to people of all religions and backgrounds, as well as the lessons it holds in overcoming challenges and divisions with love, respect, and understanding.

Diwali is observed by people all around the world. Also known as Deepavali, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Spanning five days each autumn, it is considered by some to be the start of the new year. On the Hindu calendar, Diwali falls on the eve of, or on, the new moon that occurs between mid-October and mid-November.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "Diwali is celebrated all across the country and around the world by billions of people. Diwali is observed not only as a time to spend with friends and loved ones, but also as a time to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, truth over untruth and righteousness over wrong. It is a time of spiritual renewal, and honors self-awareness, righteousness, and service to others before self--values that transcend different religions, backgrounds, and differences. As we gather for the beautiful Festival of Lights this year, we reflect on the opportunity each of us has to overcome our differences with one another and find ways to be of service to others. This is the heart of our celebrations during Diwali, and also what we known in Hawai"i as the aloha spirit."

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