Washington: The US House of Representatives has for the first time passed a resolution recognising the “religious and historical significance” of Diwali.

The House Resolution 747, passed by an overwhelming vote of 358 to 0 (with 66 members abstaining), “is the first time the US Congress has ever passed a resolution in honour of Diwali”, said Joe Wilson, the co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

“I am pleased that this legislation recognising the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali, has been brought to the floor today for consideration,” the Republican from South Carolina,who was among the sponsors of the bill, said.

“Celebrated by the people of India and nearly two million Indians in the US, Diwali is a five-day festival held in the fall that celebrates the values of kinship, knowledge, and goodness,” Wilson said.

“It shows our support for the growing partnership and dialogue in international efforts between the US and India,” he said. It recognises the importance of Indian Americans — a vibrant immigrant community, he added.

Source : PTI