Congresswoman Grace Meng proposed a government holiday for Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali would become the 12th federal holiday under the Diwali Day Act.
In a virtual press conference, Congresswoman Meng stressed Diwali’s importance for billions of people worldwide and Queens, New York, and American families and communities. She said a federal holiday for Diwali would allow families and friends to celebrate together and show the government’s appreciation for the nation’s unique culture.
The Congresswoman believes that America’s strength comes from its many experiences, cultures, and communities, and the Diwali Day Act is a start toward teaching all Americans about this auspicious day and recognizing the nation’s unique cultural legacy. She promised to get the bill through Congress.
The Diwali Day Act was supported by many communities. The action acknowledges Diwali and promotes the South Asian community, according to New York Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar. New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney praised Congresswoman Meng for elevating the Asian-American community and highlighting Diwali’s cultural significance.
Community members supported the proposed legislation. The Sikh Coalition’s Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, Sim J Singh Attariwala, stressed that Diwali enhances US culture. The Indo-Caribbean Alliance Board Member Richard David saw the law as a milestone for the South Asian diaspora.
Other community representatives, such as Hindus for Human Rights and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, voiced their excitement and support for the law, citing Diwali’s promotion of goodness, well-being, peace, and prosperity.
The Diwali Day Act recognizes and honors festivals across the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and beyond. The bill’s supporters stressed the need of recognizing Diwali as a holiday in US public schools to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance among youngsters of diverse cultures.
The proposed proposal to make Diwali a federal holiday in the US was widely supported and sought to recognize and respect the nation’s cultural diversity.
