Diwali Greeting cards

Guess what? I have good news! The Congressional Resolution celebrating Diwali in USA has been passed by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives by a unanimous vote on 25th October 2007. And soon after the resolution was passed the congressman Mr. Joe Wilson said that it was an opportunity for Congress to acknowledge the shared values of kinship, knowledge, and goodness celebrated during the five day festival. The Executive Director of HAF, Ishani Chowdury, said that it was the enthusiastic commitment of the Congressmen Wilson and McDermott that Diwali has been recognized to be celebrated in USA.

With Diwali edging on -- November 9th, 2007, the office of Hindu American Foundation in Washington DC is buzzing with activities. The staffers are planning their strategies for pushing for a rapid vote in the full House on H.Res. 747. Click here to check out the Press Release on Diwali resolution.

I just wanted to extend my whole hearted Diwali wishes and lots of thanks these tireless advocates, Wilson and McDermott and all the other member of Congress for taking such a noble initiative.



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Labels: Diwali Celebration

With Diwali edging near, I can find people – especially of Indian origin, becoming more and more excited about fireworks. It's in this regard that Mr. William Brown, County Fire Officer (Warwickshire), said: “Every year people are killed and injured because they were careless with fire. Candles and Fireworks mark special occasions and create a special atmosphere. Candles bring fire into your home and fireworks are explosives and should be treated with care. Please follow these simple guidelines and have a safe Diwali... I want the people of Warwickshire to have an enjoyable Bonfire Night and the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to an organized firework party.”

He pointed out certain very significant points in regards to organized fireworks displays that should be kept in mind, doesn't really matter where you live. It's really a wonderful idea to launch a planned organized firework show in your locality. Here are some tips that I found over the net this weekend.

• Advance notice has to be givend to the Fire and Rescue Service and it is only after the approval of your notice that you can arrange for an organized firework display. Please contact the fire safety helpline of your area.
• Make sure that you have a lot of open space to let off the fireworks. Enough space should be available for the spectators to keep a safe distance from the fireworks.
• Use a strong barrier to mark the prohibited zone.
• The aerial fireworks must be angled away from the spectators to steer clear of accidents.
• Make sure that the entrances and exits are clearly marked and are free from obstruction.
• Make sure that you've clearly mentioned in advance that spectators should not bring in their own fireworks.
• Make proper arrangements for fire extinguishers, metal litter bins and water.
• Make sure that people who would be lighting fireworks would not consume alcohol.
• Make sure that fireworks are kept closed in a metal box while other fireworks show is on.

So friends, let's enjoy a safe Diwali and have a lot of fun with fireworks on Diwali 2007.

Labels: Diwali Celebration, Diwali Fireworks

You won't believe what I've just heard today. It's a bit on the 'spicy' side and I'm sure that you guys would enjoy reading it. Although it happened last year but I thought you might not be aware of the fact. NASDAQ (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations), which is the American stock market, saluted the festive spirit of India for Diwali.

It was in 2006 that the Sensex scaled a good hike. With that America's largest electronic screen based equity securities trading market honored India's festive spirit by decorating its stock market tower with the Indian flag.

The sad news is, while the world's most cited market index celebrated this Indian festival of light and decorated themselves with Indian colors in the midst if the dazzling neons of Times Square, Mr. Bush had expressed his feeling that it was really depressing. He stayed away from the Diwali party hosted in his own White House! His excuse? He didn't want to "set a precedent for the celebration of a 'country-specific religion'". I think that's where the misconception lies. Diwali is not just celebrated by "Indians". It's celebrated all over the world. You can read my post on Diwali around the world.



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I can say for sure that he could not understand the fact that Diwali is actually an Indian festival celebrated by the Indian dispora and not an event specifically of Hindu religion or country specific. I'll be anticipating your comments to this.

I think it really doesn't matter whether it's a festival of "country-specific religion" or an Indian festival -- the good news is that we can now celebrate the spirit of Diwali here in US as per the resolution of Mr. Joe Wilson. So lets stay in touch and share our love on Diwali 2007. Let's celebrate the spirit of Diwali. Oh if you want to read more about Mr. Bush here's that Diwali article.

Labels: Diwali : The festival of Lights, Diwali Celebration