HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.2 Diwali ProclamationSTAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
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Agenda Item 3.2
DATE:October 19,2021
TO:Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM:Linda Smith, City Manager
SUBJECT:Diwali ProclamationPrepared by:Cierra Fabrigas, Executive Aide
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:The City Council will consider proclaiming November 4, 2021 as Diwali, the Festival of Lights in the City of Dublin.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:Approve the proclamation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:None.
DESCRIPTION:Diwali, or Deepavali, is celebrated in autumn of each year by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, 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 is a festival of lights that includes many traditions such as gathering with friends and family for community prayer, exchanging gifts, setting off fireworks, and decorating houses with colorful rangolis. Diwali is also the Hindu New Year, and it is celebrated on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:None.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:The City Council Agenda was posted.
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ATTACHMENTS:1) Diwali Proclamation
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Attachment 1
A PROCLAMATION OF THE
CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA
“Diwali – November 4, 2021”
WHEREAS, theCity of Dublin, alongwiththe nation, has been influenced by the extraordinary cultural, ethnic,linguistic, and
religious diversity of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Diwali or Deepavali, is celebrated in autumn of each year by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhist, and others
throughout the Bay Area and the World; and
WHEREAS,Diwaliis celebrated by lightingtheDiyaor oillamp,whichsymbolizes dispellingdarknessand bringinglight into
life with traditional offerings, rituals, and festivals; and
WHEREAS, Diwali is also the Hindu New Year, and it is celebrated on the last day of the last month in the lunar calendar;
and
WHEREAS, for Hindus, Diwali is a celebration of good triumphing over evil, and light prevailing over darkness; and
WHEREAS, Hindu Americans in the City of Dublin represent diverse ethnic backgrounds, including individuals of Indian,
Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Malaysian, Indonesian, Afghani, Nepali, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, Fijian, Caribbean, and European
descent; and
WHEREAS, ourdiversityis one of ourgreatest strengths, andDublinjoinswith allthosearoundtheworldcelebratingDiwali.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin hereby proclaim November 4, 2021
as “Diwali”in the City of Dublin and encourages citizens to recognize the contributions of all Hindu, Sikhs, Jains, and
Buddhists in all aspects of our vibrant economy and civic society.
DATED: October 19, 2021
Mayor Melissa Hernandez Vice Mayor Shawn Kumagai
Councilmember Sherry Hu Councilmember Jean Josey Councilmember Michael McCorriston
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