HR 138

UNOFFICIAL COPY  26 RS BR 2622
1A RESOLUTION recognizing and celebrating Hindu holidays and the resilience of
2 the Hindu people.
3WHEREAS, the Hindu people have a rich cultural and spiritual heritage that
4 emphasizes the importance of close family bonds, expression of gratitude, introspection
5 and renewal of faith, and harmony, unity, and togetherness; and
6WHEREAS, Hindus celebrate Dashain, also called Vijaya Dashaimi, by honoring
7 the goddess Durga who prevailed over Mahishura, which is considered as a triumph of
8 good over evil; and
9WHEREAS, on the 10th day of Dashain, Hindu elders place a tika, a mixture of
10 rice, yogurt, and vermillion, on younger Hindus to bless them with hopes for abundance
11 in the future; and
12WHEREAS, during Dashain, Hindus visit temples and perform rituals to seek
13 blessings, express gratitude, and reflect on their spiritual journey; and
14WHEREAS, during the festival of Laxmi Pooja, also known as Dipawali or Diwali,
15 Hindus celebrate Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity; and
16WHEREAS, believing that the goddess will only reside in clean and tidy spaces,
17 Hindus thoroughly clean their homes and decorate them with butter lamps and electric
18 lights in hopes of receiving her blessings; and
19WHEREAS, Hindus will also buy gold and silver, precious gemstones, new utensils
20 of copper, and brass and bronze for good luck, using the items to worship the goddess
21 Lakshmi at night; and
22WHEREAS, during the festival of Bhaitika, Hindus celebrate and observe the
23 strong bond between siblings, especially between brothers and sisters; and
24WHEREAS, the celebration of Bhaitika originated with Yama, the God of Death,
25 visiting his sister, Yamuna. During his visit, Yamuna welcomed him with a tika and
26 special prayers. Being so moved by this gesture, Yama blessed all brothers receiving a
27 tika with long life and prosperity; and
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1WHEREAS, continuing the tradition, sisters will mark their brothers' foreheads
2 with a unique tika symbolizing love and prayers for protection and prosperity. As a sign
3 of gratitude for their blessing, the brothers will give back to their sisters presents or cash;
4 and
5WHEREAS, in their exercise of promoting individual and collective well-being,
6 truthfulness, compassion, and generosity, the Hindu people through their traditions and
7 customs have made a positive and lasting impact on this Commonwealth;
8NOW, THEREFORE,
9 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the
10 Commonwealth of Kentucky:
11Section 1. The House of Representatives hereby recognizes the Hindu holidays
12 of Dashain and Vijaya Dashaimi, October 21, 2026; Laxmi Pooja, Dipawali, and Diwali,
13 November 9, 2026; and Bhaitika, November 11, 2026, and acknowledges the significant
14 contributions of the Hindu people to this Commonwealth.
15Section 2. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to transmit a
16 copy of this Resolution to Representative Daniel Grossberg.
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