Two US senators, Democrat Mark R. Warner and Republican John Cornyn, co-chairs of the US Senate's bipartisan India Caucus, have introduced a resolution to honour and celebrate the Indian festival of Diwali.
"As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I am pleased to sponsor a resolution celebrating this important holiday for the Indian people and Indian-Americans here at home," Warner said.
"India is the world's largest democracy, which makes our countries and our people natural partners. It's a relationship based on shared values, and its one I'd like to continue to grow."
"Diwali's message of tolerance, compassion, and the victory of good over evil resonates with the American spirit," said Cornyn.
"As Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others come together to celebrate this festival of lights, let us all be reminded, as Americans, of one of our most cherished freedoms: the freedom of religion."
The resolution describes Diwali as "a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains throughout India, the United States, and the world."
Outlining the salient features of the "festival of lights" the resolution "recognizes the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali."
"In observance of Diwali, the festival of lights," the senate resolution also "expresses its deepest respect for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, as well as fellow countrymen and diaspora throughout the world on this significant occasion."