Diwali as US federal holiday? 19 lawmakers back fresh push

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 South Asian, Southeast Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Meng said the festival holds different meanings for various religious, ethnic and cultural groups but brings people together through reflection, prayer and gatherings with loved ones. "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," she stated.

The caucus also pointed to a rise in hostility, intimidation and targeted violence against Hindu and South Asian communities across the country. It cited incidents including vandalism at Hindu places of worship, an attempted mass shooting during Navratri celebrations at a Hindu temple in Illinois, and a recent racist disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington State. "CAPAC has been sounding the alarm that these acts of hate must be taken seriously and investigated by federal authorities," the caucus stated.

If passed by Congress, the legislation would make Diwali the 12th federally recognised holiday in the US. Supporters said granting the festival federal holiday status, including a day off, would signal official recognition of the country's diverse cultures and traditions.

Meng has also authored the Lunar New Year Day Act, which seeks federal recognition for the Lunar New Year. The Diwali Day Act has received endorsements from several organisations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Asian American Federation, Coalition of Hindus of North America, Hindus for Human Rights, Hindu Temple Society of North America, Indian American Impact, Indian Diaspora Council, Indo-Caribbean Alliance, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund, The Sikh Coalition and Southeast Asia Resource Action Centre, among others.