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SR 465

DIWALI DAY

104th Regular Session Introduced by Ram Villivalam

Declares October 20, 2025 as Diwali Day in Illinois to recognize the festival and its cultural significance, without enforcing any obligations.

Resolution Adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 465

Summary — SR 465 (Diwali Day)

Status: Resolution Adopted
Introduced: April 25, 2025
Sponsor(s): Sally Harrell; Ed Harbison; Donzella James; Randal Mangham; Freddie Powell Sims; Emanuel Jones; Gail Davenport; Ram Villivalam (and others)
Key action dates: Read & adopted (Senate) April 29, 2025; Reported enrolled April 29, 2025; Filed/Placed on Calendar/Adopted October 28–29, 2025

Main purpose

SR 465 is a ceremonial (non‑binding) resolution of the Illinois Senate that (1) recognizes and describes the significance of the festival of Diwali (Deepavali) and (2) declares October 20, 2025, to be “Diwali Day” in the State of Illinois. The resolution also contains language commending Calvin George Kemp Sr. on his 102nd birthday and acknowledging his lifetime of community service.

Key provisions and content

  • Provides background on Diwali:
    • Describes Diwali as a five‑day autumn festival of lights symbolizing new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil.
    • Notes the term derives from Sanskrit “Deepavali” (“rows of lighted lamps”).
    • States Diwali is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, with faith‑specific meanings but a shared emphasis on “light over darkness.”
    • Describes common practices such as lighting oil lamps and emphasizing togetherness, compassion, gratitude, and hope.
  • Official designation:
    • Declares October 20, 2025, as Diwali Day in Illinois “in honor of the people of the State and across the nation who celebrate this significant holiday.”
  • Commendation:
    • Includes a separate commendatory section honoring Calvin George Kemp Sr. on his 102nd birthday and recognizing his military service, church and community involvement, and mentoring/teaching roles.
    • Authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to provide an appropriate copy of the Kemp commendation for distribution.

Who is affected

  • Primarily symbolic recognition for Illinois residents who observe Diwali (including Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, Sikh communities and their families).
  • No regulatory, fiscal, or administrative mandates are imposed on state agencies, local governments, or private parties.

Impact and significance

  • Symbolic: raises public awareness and honors cultural and religious diversity in Illinois.
  • No legal or budgetary effect: this is a ceremonial resolution, not legislation that creates enforceable obligations or appropriations.
  • Procedural note: adopted by the Senate and enrolled; the resolution formalizes a statewide observance for the specified date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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