HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.1 Presentation for the Diwali ProclamationAgenda Item 3.1
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!fit STAFF REPORT
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL
CALIFORNIA
DATE: November 7, 2023
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Linda Smith, City Manager
SU B,ECT : Presentation of the Diwali Proclamation
Prepared by: Marissa Clevenger, Administrative Technician
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City Council will present the Diwali proclamation.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Present the proclamation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
DESCRIPTION:
November 12, 2023 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.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
None.
Page 1 of 2
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NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
The City Council Agenda was posted.
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Diwali Proclamation
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Attachment I
A PROCLAMATION OF THE
CITY OF DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA
"Diwali — November 12, 2023"
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 of each year by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhist, and others 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, 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, Afghan, Nepali, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, Fijian, Caribbean, and European
descent; and
WHEREAS, our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and Dublin joins with all those around the world celebrating Diwali.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin hereby proclaims November 12, 2023
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: November 7, 2023
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Mayor Melissa Herna
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Vice Mayor Michael McCorriston
Councilmefnber Kashef Qaadri
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