NASDAQ salutes India's festive spirit

Though some people of Indian origin argue that Diwali is not restricted to India, but is celebrated by the Indian diaspora all over the world, including in countries such as South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad, Fiji, Mauritius, Malaysia and Singapore, US President George W. Bush has stayed away from Diwali party hosted by the White House as he does not want to set a precedent for celebrating a "country-specific religion."

However, Nasdaq has recognised Diwali as an Indian festival rather than as just a "Hindu Festival," a description that is in tune with a Congressional resolution backed by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) that "recognises the central importance the festival holds in the lives of millions of Hindus, Jains and Sikhs."

The Bill, introduced by Florida Republican Ileana Ross-Lehtinen, has found 38 co-sponsors, as is part of HAF's special efforts this year to raise awareness about the festival.

HAF and other Indian organisations have tried, in vain, to have US authorities issue a postage stamp on Diwali. That process, administration officials have said, typically takes several years.

Nonetheless, Diwali has certainly begun to attract increasing attention in US in recent years. From North Carolinas News and Observer to a Minnesota Daily to Hartford Courant in Connecticut, reports abound about Indians across US celebrating Diwali.

Diwali is a major Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Indian Buddhist festival/celebration. Known as the "Festival of Lights," it symbolises the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit at home and fireworks illuminate the night sky as a sign of celebration and hope for mankind.