Washington, DC—Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) have joined together to introduce a bipartisan resolution to recognize the historical and religious significance of Diwali. The Festival of Lights celebration, which began on Monday, October 20 this year, is celebrated throughout the U.S. by more than three million Americans of Indian descent, including Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs.
“Diwali speaks to something larger than any one tradition; it speaks to the enduring human belief that light will always conquer darkness, that truth will outlast fear, that unity is our strength, and that hope will endure. In Pennsylvania’s First District, we are proud to have three incredible Mandirs whose doors and hearts remain open to all, serving as critical community pillars of faith, service, and unity. This resolution honors not only a tradition that uplifts, unites, and endures, but the profound contributions of our Indian-American community to the strength of our district and our nation,” said Fitzpatrick.
“Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil,” Krishnamoorthi said. “For the millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains here in the U.S. celebrating with friends, family, and loved ones, it’s my hope that my bipartisan resolution honoring the cultural, religious, and historical significance of the Festival of Lights brings our communities together and inspires us to see the light in the world and overcome the challenges we face. Happy Diwali, and I hope everyone celebrating has a joyful and peaceful holiday.”
The full text of the resolution is available here.
Background:
Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District is the only district in the nation home to three BAPS Mandirs—vibrant houses of worship and cultural gathering places that serve as pillars of faith, service, and unity for thousands of families across Bucks and Montgomery Counties. These Mandirs represent not only sacred spaces of reflection and celebration but also vital centers of community service, humanitarian outreach, and cultural exchange.
Fitzpatrick has long championed strong partnerships with the Indian American community, recognizing both their cultural impact and the strategic importance of the U.S.–India relationship. In September, as Chairman of the CIA Subcommittee on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Fitzpatrick traveled on a two-week intelligence mission to India, Nepal, and Pakistan to advance U.S. intelligence priorities, strengthen alliances, and underscore the role of principled American leadership in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions.
During his visit to India, Fitzpatrick met with the Foreign Minister and National Security Advisors for high-level strategic dialogues, conducted oversight of U.S. Embassy operations in New Delhi, and met with Marine Security Guards responsible for protecting U.S. personnel. He also visited the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a spiritual and cultural institution with deep and enduring ties to Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Following these diplomatic engagements and sustained U.S. pressure, Indian refiners signaled plans to reduce imports of Russian oil—a consequential shift that directly undermines Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.