The proposed Diwali Day Act aims to federally recognize the holiday observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and broader diaspora communities. Lawmakers argue that official recognition is critically needed to counter rising hate incidents, pointing to recent acts of temple vandalism, a disrupted celebration in Washington State, and an attempted shooting in Illinois. A wide coalition of advocacy organizations, including the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, has endorsed the measure. Alongside this effort, lead sponsor Grace Meng is also pursuing federal holiday status for the Lunar New Year.
Key points
Federal lawmakers have renewed a legislative effort to grant Diwali official recognition…: Federal lawmakers have renewed a legislative effort to grant Diwali official recognition as a national holiday.
Supporters view the bill as an essential tool to advance cultural inclusion amid heighten…: Supporters view the bill as an essential tool to advance cultural inclusion amid heightened violence against Asian Americans.
Multiple prominent diaspora advocacy organizations have joined lawmakers in championing t…: Multiple prominent diaspora advocacy organizations have joined lawmakers in championing the proposed federal legislation.
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Five Indian-American lawmakers have joined 14 other US representatives in backing fresh legislation to designate Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States. The Diwali Day Act, reintroduced in the House of Representatives under the leadership of Congresswoman Grace Meng, has secured the support of 19 lawmakers and seeks to recognise the festival as an official national holiday.
The Indian-origin lawmakers supporting the legislation include Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera.
Grace Meng, who heads the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), said the legislation would help raise awareness about the festival and promote cultural inclusion.
"My Diwali Day Act will help educate Americans about the importance of this day, and I will continue working to create a more inclusive nation that honours the rich cultural traditions of its people," she said in an official statement.
The proposed legislation describes Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as an important annual observance for several religious communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. It is also celebrated by billions of people across…
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