A new push is underway in the US to make Diwali a federal holiday five Indian-American members of Congress are among 19 who support the bill. It’s given renewed hope to Indian and South Asian communities that want more recognition of their cultural and religious traditions in America.
The bill (Diwali Day Act) has been reintroduced in the US House of Representatives by Congresswoman Grace Meng, who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC). It seeks to officially add Diwali to the list of federally recognized holidays in the country.
The five Indian-origin lawmakers supporting the legislation are Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera. Their support signals growing participation of Indian-American representatives in efforts to bring cultural inclusion and recognition into the US political system.
If passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, Diwali would be the 12th federally recognized holiday in the US. Federal employees would get an official day off so many families and communities could celebrate without having to work.
Why is the US asking for federal recognition of Diwali
Diwali (Festival of Lights) is one of the most important celebrations for millions of people worldwide. Although it is mostly associated with Hindu traditions, Sikhs and Jains also celebrate Diwali and Buddhists too have different religious and cultural meanings attached to the occasion.
The legislation mentions Diwali is important to South Asian, Southeast Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities as it represents victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance; families light lamps, decorate their homes, pray and spend time with family.
“The proposal is important because it educates Americans about Diwali, acknowledges the cultural traditions of different communities,” Grace Meng said.
She also cited increasing anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate crimes across the country. “Official recognition would send a strong message that Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists are valued members of American society,” Meng said.
What Happens If the Bill Is Passed
The Diwali Day Act would amend the list of federal holidays under US law to add Diwali and pass it. If passed, the festival would receive national recognition as a holiday and federal employees would have a holiday on that day.
The proposal was also supported by several community organisations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice; Coalition of Hindus of North America; Hindu Temple Society of North America; Sikh Coalition.
However the bill has not become law yet. It must go through US legislative process before it can be approved by the president.
The renewed effort is a positive step for Indian-American communities and other groups that celebrate Diwali. The outcome is still unknown but support from lawmakers of different backgrounds has put the demand for federal recognition back on the national agenda.
If approved, it would be a milestone for cultural diversity and religious inclusion in the US.
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