The Diwali Day Act seeks to establish the Festival of Lights as the 12th official national holiday in the United States.
Five Indian-American representatives have joined 14 other US lawmakers in supporting new legislation to make Diwali a federal holiday. According to the Times of India, the Diwali Day Act was reintroduced in the House of Representatives under the leadership of Congresswoman Grace Meng.
The Indian-origin lawmakers backing the bill include Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, and Ami Bera. Meng, who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), said the move would promote cultural inclusion and educate Americans about the significance of the day.
The proposed law defines Diwali, or Deepavali, as a major annual observance for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. It is also celebrated by billions of people within South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Indo-Caribbean communities.
Meng stated that recognising the festival sends a message that these religious groups are valued members of society, especially as anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate increases. The CAPAC noted a rise in hostility, citing incidents such as vandalism at places of worship and a racist disruption of a celebration in Washington State.
If Congress approves the bill, Diwali would become the 12th federally recognised holiday in the country. The legislation has received endorsements from various organisations, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America and the Sikh Coalition.
