CITY OF Sparks (Nevada, USA), incorporated in 1905, issued an official proclamation for Diwali, most popular festival of Hindus, on January nine during its Council meeting.

Mayor Geno R. Martini stated in the proclamation carrying the city seal: ‘Diwali is the most popular festival celebrated by one billion Hindus worldwide, as well as Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up lives, and symbolizes the victory of good over evil, hereby proclaim Diwali a festival celebrated in the City of Sparks.’

Mayor Martini then presented the proclamation to Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, who, the proclamation said, has made laudable efforts to promote interfaith harmony. Distinguished Hindu statesman Zed then thanked Mayor Martini and City Council for the Diwali proclamation and for celebrating diversity.

Sparks, whose city slogan is "It's Happening Here", is a custom-made town, tailored ordered by the Southern Pacific Railway Company. Shaun Carey is the City Manager. Notable people associated with Sparks include: actress Jena Malone, political pundit Karl Rove, swimmer Brian Retterer, and cartoonist Brian Crane. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.