Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet Page: 2 of 3
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Dussehra
Dussehra, or Dasera, the 10th and final day of the festival of Navaratri, is often observed as a celebration to
commemorate Lord Rama's victory over the evil Ravana, as told in the epic text, the Ramayana.6 Dussehra typically
falls between late September and early October.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates and honors the bond between a brother and a sister. Ceremonies often
include a sister tying a ceremonial thread or amulet called a rakhi around a brother's wrist, as a symbol of her love. The
brother provides a gift in return, as a symbol of his promise to protect her. Raksha Bandhan typically falls in the month
of August.
U.S. Congressional Recognition
Some Members of Congress make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Extensions of Remarks into the
Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and observances. The following are some recent examples that may
be of assistance in preparing such statements:
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, "CAPAC Members Celebrate Holi," press release, March 13, 2017.
Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, "In Recognition Of the Diwali At Times Square Celebration," Extensions of
Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162 (December 23, 2016), p. E1738.
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, "CAPAC Members Celebrate Holi," press release, October 31, 2016.
Senator Ted Cruz, "Sen. Cruz Commemorates Diwali," press release, October 30, 2016.
Representative Ami Bera, "Celebrating Diwali," Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 161 (November 3, 2015), p.
H7400.
Representative Mike Honda, "In Celebration of Diwali." Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition,
vol. 159 (October 29, 2013), p. H6835.
U.S. Presidential Recognition
One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor or call attention to certain issues or
events. Some proclamations and remarks commemorating Hindu holidays from the Compilation of Presidential
Documents include the following:
Statement on the Observance of Diwali-President Donald J. Trump, October 17, 2018.
Statement on the Observance of Diwali-President Barack Obama, November 1, 2013.
Statement on the Observance of Diwali-President Barack Obama, November 13, 2012.
Earlier presidential proclamations are available the Government Publishing Office website.
Historical and Cultural Resources
Numerous resources provide information on the history and culture of Hinduism. Some of these include the following:
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) identifies as a nonprofit advocacy organization for the Hindu American
community. HAF's website includes information about Hinduism and common Hindu holidays.
ShareAmerica, a resource maintained by the U.S. Department of State, includes several entries regarding the celebration
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Mahendra, Sundeep. Hindu Holidays: Fact Sheet, report, October 31, 2017; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1043327/m1/2/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.