SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 12

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 20, 2024

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably a Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution No. 12.

      This joint resolution designates October of each year as “Hindu Heritage Month” in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the many Hindu residents of this State and their rich and noteworthy history and cultural contributions to this State.

      Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, dating back to a time between 3000-8000 BCE.  Sacred texts have been passed on through generations for thousands of years, creating a strong following of 1.1 billion Hindus in the 21st century.  Hindus believe in a variety of deities, each representing different concepts and values within Hinduism.  Different sects of Hindus emphasize particular deities and practices over others, depending on their beliefs.  Various Hindu gods and goddesses can be traced to origin points spanning several thousand years, making the traditions surrounding Hinduism and the Hindu deities rich and storied.  Some deities have holidays celebrated in their honor, such as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune.  Another well-known Hindu holiday is Holi, the Festival of Colors.  It is a holiday celebrating the coming of spring, famous for colorful paste and water thrown on those celebrating.

      Hindus have made enormous contributions to cultural development throughout history across the globe.  Significant achievements in math, science, and medicine used in the modern world can be traced to Hindus.  New Jersey is fortunate to be the State with the highest percentage of Hindu residents in the United States.       

      As reported by the committee, Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution No. 12 is identical to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 46 (1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.