Celebrate Holi Festival

Senate Resolution No. 853 BY: Senator THOMAS CELEBRATING Holi, an ancient Hindu Spring Festival WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those events which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate Holi, an ancient Hindu Spring Festival; and WHEREAS, Holi is an ancient Hindu Spring Festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, which celebrates fertility, color, love, and the triumph of good over evil; and WHEREAS, The Festival signifies the coming of spring, the joy of friendship, and equality for all; and WHEREAS, The colored powders used in Holi represent love, happiness, and the freedom to live vibrantly, which are all principles shared and promoted by the Caribbean Equality Project (CEP); and WHEREAS, The origins of the festival can be found in various legends in Hindu mythology, one of which tells the story of a demon, Holika, and her brother, King Hiranyakashipu; on the night before Holi, bonfires are lit to signify the burning of Holika and the victory of good over evil; and WHEREAS, This year, Holi begins on Wednesday, March 20th and ends on Thursday, March 21st; the timing of Holi depends on the moon, meaning the date of the event can vary, although it usually occurs in March to mark the end of winter; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend events which symbolize the historical, social and cultural development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate Holi, an ancient Hindu Spring Festival.