CAPAC Members and House Democratic Leader Celebrate Diwali

November 9, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statements in celebration of Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists across the United States and the world:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“Happy Diwali to all who celebrate! Diwali is a joyous holiday honoring the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and a reminder that hope will overcome despair. On this bright occasion, may we come together to celebrate our community that is aglow with diversity and strength. On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I hope your Diwali is radiant, safe, and peaceful.”

House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries:

“Wishing a happy Diwali to all those celebrating in New York, America and throughout the world. The festival of lights is a time to pause and celebrate community. During this trying time, we all benefit from a reminder that there can be important triumphs of hope over despair, love over hatred and light over darkness.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Wishing everyone across the country a happy Diwali! The Festival of Lights is an auspicious holiday of celebration for millions of Americans and many more across the globe, and I am proud to lead the effort to make Diwali a federal holiday in the U.S. This is a time to cherish with friends and family, and I hope all are able to celebrate with their communities!”

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“Diwali teaches us the importance of harmony, diversity, and the power of collective strength. In these challenging times, the spirit of Diwali resonates more strongly than ever, reminding us to stand together and support one another. May this festival bring joy, prosperity, and renewed hope to every heart.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):

“Happy Diwali to those celebrating in Los Angeles County and across the country! As we celebrate the Festival of Lights, let us all remember that light will triumph over darkness and good will prevail over evil. May this holiday give us hope for new beginnings and allow us to enjoy the beauty of family, tradition and community. I wish everyone a safe, prosperous and joyful festival!”

Rep. Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06):

“As the longest serving Indian American Member of Congress, I am honored to stand with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to mark Diwali, a joyous occasion symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. My warmest wishes for a safe and healthy Diwali to everyone celebrating, both here in the United States and across the globe.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“Diwali is a time to remember that righteousness, goodness, and freedom will always overcome. During the Festival of Lights, we celebrate the laughter, hope, and light that surround us. And we must also recommit to pushing back against the forces of xenophobia, racism, and hate in all forms and ensure that joy and love triumphs all. To all who celebrate, I wish you a joyous Diwali.”

Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Diwali symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, hope over despair, and light over darkness. Many of my constituents of all different backgrounds come together to celebrate this great festival each year. At a time when there’s so much cynicism and division in our country, Diwali renews our spirit and gives us hope. I join my CAPAC colleagues in wishing everyone in my district and around the world a very happy Diwali.”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“Wishing everyone celebrating a joyous and prosperous Festival of Lights! Diwali reminds us of the triumph of joy and goodness against evil. As families and friends gather for Diwali across New Jersey and our country, I hope the holiday is an opportunity to reflect on the power and hope of light as we stand together against darkness.”

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08):

“I want to wish a Happy Diwali to all the Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and others celebrating this festival of thanks and reflection on the triumph of light over darkness, and of good over evil. May the light of the Diya lamps shine within us all as a source of healing and renewal, and remind us of what we can be as a people and a nation.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):

“Today, I join my Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus colleagues in celebrating the beginning of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. May this holiday remind us to let courage reign over fear, hope prevail over despair, and light triumph over darkness. I wish those in my district and around the world a joyous Diwali!”

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10):

“I am wishing a Happy Diwali filled with light and love to those celebrating in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties and across the country. I hope you experience a joyful and safe celebration of the Festival of Lights.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06):

“Good will always be victorious over evil, light will outshine darkness, and knowledge will prevail when ignorance is present. I wish a happy, prosperous, and safe Diwali to all those celebrating in Michigan and around the world and encourage us all to recognize that there is always more that unites us than divides us. May we always bring light wherever we go and remember we are stronger united as one.”

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):

“I join my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in wishing a happy Diwali to all who celebrate in the Houston area and across the country, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. I hope this season of joy, festivities, and warmth ushers in brighter days ahead.”

Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15):

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“I want to wish a Happy Diwali to all those celebrating in Southern California and across the country! This holiday reminds us to celebrate the triumph of light in the face of darkness and evil. May you all have a safe and joyful Festival of Lights!”