Washington : Five Indian-origin members of the US Congress have joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers supporting a proposal to grant Diwali federal holiday status in the United States.
The legislation, known as the Diwali Day Act, has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Grace Meng. A total of 19 lawmakers are backing the proposal, including five Indian-American representatives: Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera.
The bill seeks to give Diwali official recognition as a federal holiday, acknowledging the festival’s cultural and religious importance to millions of people in the US.
Meng, who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), said recognising the festival would send a message of inclusion to Hindu and other South Asian communities. She also pointed to concerns over growing incidents of anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate across the country.
“Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. At a time when anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate is on the rise, recognising Diwali as a federal holiday sends a powerful message that Hindus, as well as Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, are valued members of our society,” Meng said.
She cited incidents of vandalism at Hindu places of worship, an attempted mass shooting at a temple in Aurora, Illinois, and the disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington State.
“My Diwali Day Act would make this joyous holiday a federal holiday — recognition that is long overdue. The racist, anti-Hindu disruption in Seattle stands against the spirit of Diwali. Everyone deserves to celebrate safely and freely. We must stand together against this bigotry and hate in all its forms,” she added.
The proposed legislation has brought renewed attention to calls for greater recognition of the religious and cultural festivals celebrated by diverse communities across the United States.
