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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.1 Presentation of the Diwali Proclamation STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL Page 1 of 2 Agenda Item 3.1 DATE: October 21, 2025 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers FROM: Colleen Tribby, City Manager SUBJECT: Presentation of the Diwali Proclamation Prepared by: Vanessa Rosales, CMC, Deputy City Clerk EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will present the Diwali proclamation. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Present the proclamation. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. DESCRIPTION: October 20, 2025 will mark the annual occurrence of Diwali, a festival of lights celebrated in autumn of each year by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhist, and others around the world. Diwali is celebrated by lighting the Diya, or oil lamp, which symbolizes dispelling darkness and bringing light into life with traditional offerings, rituals, and festivals. Diwali includes many traditions such as gathering with friends and family for community prayer, exchanging gifts, setting off fireworks, and decorating houses with colorful rangolis (decorative works of art created on the ground). Diwali is also the Hindu New Year, and it is celebrated on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar. California officially recognizes Diwali as a state holiday, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 268 on October 6, 2025. STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE: None. 8 Page 2 of 2 NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: The City Council Agenda was posted. ATTACHMENTS: 1) Diwali Proclamation 9 Attachment 1 A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA “Diwali” WHEREAS, the City of Dublin, along with the nation, has been influenced by the extraordinary cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of its residents; and WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated in autumn each year throughout the Bay Area and the World; and WHEREAS, Diwali is a festival of lights which is celebrated by lighting the Diya, or oil lamp, which symbolizes dispelling darkness and bringing light into life with traditional offerings, rituals, and festivals; and WHEREAS, Diwali is also the beginning of the Hindu New Year, and it is celebrated on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin represents diverse ethnic backgrounds, including individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Afghan, Nepali, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, Fijian, Caribbean, and European descent; and WHEREAS, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and Dublin joins with others around the world celebrating Diwali; and WHEREAS, California formally recognizes Diwali as a state holiday, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 268 on October 6, 2025. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council hereby proclaims October 20, 2025, as “Diwali” in the City of Dublin and encourages residents to recognize the contributions of all Hindu, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and others in all aspects of our vibrant economy and civic society. DATED: October 21, 2025 10