Indian Association of Sacramento (IAS), 501 C (3), Organization

President – Mr. Satheesh Nagaraj

(916) 580 5322

Dear Indian Community Friends,

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a major Indian festival that is very significant in Indian community Known as the "Festival of Lights". Diwali/Deepavali is celebrated by the people of all faiths in India and Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhists across globe to mark different historical events and stories. They symbolize the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, hope over despair. Usually fireworks are associated with the festival.

This letter is for the city administrations to allow fireworks during the Diwali/Deepavali celebration and to allow Indian community to enjoy the festival with fireworks of State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal.

Folsom city has already providing the permission since 2007, here is the Folsom City website link

https://www.folsom.ca.us/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1220&TargetID=1

In 2009 for the first time Diwali festival celebrated at White House by the US President Barak Obama.

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/11/10/president-obama-happy-diwali

Our current honorable President, Donald Trump celebrating Diwali in 2017 at white house,

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-celebrates-diwali-at-white-house-says-value-very-strong-relationship-with-pm-modi-1764366

For more details about Diwali/Deepavali festival please read the following article at internet link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali

If city administration allows fireworks for other celebrations during the year then it is unfairness against the people who celebrate Diwali/Deepavali festival by people of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Newar Buddhist communities. We are looking between the hours of 12 p.m. on Wednesday November 7th through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th.

If you believe city administration must allow Indian community to celebrate Diwali/Deepavali festival with safe firecrackers please sign this petition.