In a historic move Jacey Jetton, the Republican State Representative of Texas Legislature sponsored a Bill to recognize April 13th, 2021 as the Hindu New Year. This single move is a first in recognizing ancient Indian Calendar system which is in variance to the Gregorian Calendar, more widely used in official communications globally owing to colonial legacy. Jacey Jetton had also in February this year moved a resolution to recognise February 12, 2021 as the Lunar New Year observed in China.

Jacey Jetton had filed the Resolution Bill recognizing Hindu New Year in the Texas Legislature House on 9th April 2021. On 13th April 2021, Jacey Jetton announced in his Facebook post the House Resolution No.624, formally commemorating April 13th as the Hindu New Year. In his post he also wished warmly all Hindus a very Happy Hindu New Year. He also put the text of the Resolution as given below:

By: Jetton H.R. No. 624

R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Thousands of families of the Hindu faith reside in
House District 26 and throughout the state of Texas, and their
religious traditions add to the rich cultural diversity found in
the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, Hindu New Year, an occasion celebrated by Hindus in
India and by Hindus of other nationalities, takes place during the
month of Chaitra, typically between March and April, according to
the Hindu calendar; and
WHEREAS, Hindus from different regions of India observe the
New Year at different times and call it by many names, among them
Varsha Pratipada, Yugadi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi, Bihu,
Puthandu, Vishu, Pana Sankranti, and Pohela Boishakh; the Hindu New
Year is commonly associated with spring and is accompanied by
customs that vary from region to region, which include decorating
homes with vibrant flowers, eating special foods, and enjoying
other regional festivities with unique colors, rituals, and music;
and
WHEREAS, Our state is enriched immeasurably by the
contributions of Hindu Americans, a large and multifaceted
population with a lush tapestry of beliefs and practices, and Hindu
New Year is an important and much-anticipated event for Hindus who
call Texas home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 13, 2021, as Hindu New Year and
extend to Hindus across the state of Texas sincere best wishes for a
joyous and memorable celebration.

The Resolution recognised the thousands of Hindus living in House District 26, i.e. Sugar Land, Richmond, and in the whole State of Texas and the rich cultural and religious traditions of Hindus enriching the State.

The resolution noted that the Hindu New Year fell in the month of Chaitra, between March and April, according to the Hindu calendar. The New Year is celebrated across India in different regions at different times with varied names like Varsha Pratipada, Yugadi, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi, Bihu, Puthandu, Vishu, Pana Sankranti, and Pohela Boishakh.

The resolution also mentioned that the New Year is celebrated with feast, new clothes, decorating homes, offering prayers, traditional music and dance.

The biography of Jacey Jetton in the official website of Texas Legislature, mentions that he is a 7th generation Texan who represents Sugar Land, Richmond, and the surrounding areas in the Texas House of Representatives. Jetton has served in the Texas Army National Guard where he was attached to a mechanized infantry unit in the 36th Infantry Division.

Jacey and Fanny Jetton have two young boys, Jacob and Calob, who attend schools in Fort Bend ISD. Jetton’s legislative and public life experience includes working in the 83rd legislative session as a Legislative Director, in the Texas Comptroller’s agency working as a taxpayer liaison, President for Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District 143, and in the Republican Party as Engagement Director for the Republican Party of Texas. He was then elected Chairman of the Fort Bend County Republican Party.

Professionally, Jetton is a small business owner operating a homeowner’s association management company. Jetton continues to serve Fort Bend County by volunteering with various organizations that focus on supporting single moms, poverty, and veterans’ issues.

Member Photo
Republican Representative Jacey Jetton

This move of the Texas Legislature and particularly of Jacey Jetton to formally commemorate Hindu New Year by a Resolution has warmed the hearts of thousands of American Hindus living not only in Texas and whole of America but also Hindus of India. This has brought American-Hindu community, which comprise best of intellectuals in the world, closer to the larger American society. The Hindu-Americans through their food donation program in America during the lockdown period provided much needed succour to the poor and needy in America. This resolution by the Texas Legislature very warmly recognises the vital contribution of Hindu Americans in enriching America intellectually, economically and culturally.

Thank you Jacey Jetton and Texas Legislature!

News Input: HR 624 – Texas House (87) – Open States

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