§§1,2

C.36:2-461

and 36:2-462

P.L. 2024, Joint Resolution No. 2, approved October 30, 2024

Assembly Joint Resolution, No. 46 (First Reprint)

CORRECTED COPY

A Joint Resolution, designating ¹[January] October¹ of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey.

Whereas, Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, dating back to a time between 3000-8000 BCE; and

Whereas, Among many practices, Hindus believe in karma, reincarnation, non-violence, and the spiritual nature of living beings; and

Whereas, Hindus believe in a divine higher power that takes form in many deities, such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Devi, Krishna, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga and Kali; and

Whereas, There are many holidays celebrated throughout the year in which Hindus honor various deities, but the most well-known in the United States are Diwali and Holi; and

Whereas, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates Lakshmi, who is the goddess representing wealth and good fortune; and

Whereas, Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a holiday that honors the beginning of spring, in which bonfires are lit and colored paste and water is thrown on those celebrating; and

¹[Whereas, Hindus have made enormous contributions to cultural development throughout history, including significant achievements in math, science, and medicine used in the modern world; and]¹

Whereas, There are over 1.1 billion Hindus in the world; and

Whereas, ¹[About three percent of New Jersey’s population is Hindu, making]¹ New Jersey ¹[the state with] has¹ the highest percentage ¹of Hindus¹ in the United States; and

¹[Whereas, The largest Hindu temple in the world, called BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is located in Robbinsville, New Jersey; and]

Whereas, Hinduism has influenced many different aspects of American culture and thought. Notable Hindu influences in New Jersey can be seen in philosophy, yoga, meditation, music, food, art, dance, and medicine; and

Whereas, Hindus are active participants in the New Jersey economy and are practitioners in all areas of the workforce, such as science, business, politics, technology, and academics; and¹

Whereas, New Jersey has a large and vibrant Hindu community that deserves recognition for their rich and noteworthy history and cultural contributions to this State; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

     1.    The month of ¹[January] October¹ of each year is designated as "Hindu Heritage Month" in the State of New Jersey. 

     2.    The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation calling on the public officials and citizens of this State to observe “Hindu Heritage Month” with appropriate activities and programs.

     3.    This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

     Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey.