Diwali a National Holiday in America? US lawmaker introduced the bill

New Delhi: A prominent US lawmaker on Friday introduced a bill in the US Congress to declare Diwali, the festival of lights, a federal holiday, a move welcomed by various communities across the country. Congresswoman Grace Meng told reporters during a virtual news conference here shortly thereafter, “Diwali is one of the most important days of the year for billions of people around the world and for countless families and communities in Queens, New York and across the United States.” There is one.” Introducing a bill in the House of Representatives. The Diwali Day Act, when passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, will make the festival of lights the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States. Establishing a federal holiday for Diwali, and the day it would provide a holiday, would allow families and friends to celebrate together, and demonstrate that the government values ​​the nation’s diverse cultural makeup, the Congresswoman said.

“Diwali celebrations are a wonderful time in Queens, and each year it’s easy to see how important this day is to so many people,” she said. America’s strength is derived from the diverse experiences, cultures and communities that make up this country. Is.” Said. Meng said, “My Diwali Day Act is a step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day and celebrating the full face of American diversity. I look forward to advancing this bill through Congress.” “

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Welcoming the move, New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar said, “This year, we saw our entire state speak with one voice in support of Diwali and recognition of the South Asian community.” “My extraordinary colleague in government, Congresswoman Meng, is now taking the movement nationally with her landmark legislation to make Diwali a federal holiday. Together, we are showing that Diwali is an American holiday. For more than 4 million Americans, your government sees you and hears you,” she said.

New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney commended Meng’s continued work to increase the visibility of the Asian-American community, saying that declaring Diwali a federal holiday not only honors those who observe but highlights a cultural tradition. that some Americans don’t regularly experience. New York City Councilman Shekhar Krishnan said, “Diwali is a special holiday for a lot of South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.”

“As the first Indian American elected to NYC government, I am very proud to support Congresswoman Meng’s legislation to establish ‘Deepavali’ as a federal holiday. It is important that children like me can officially But celebrate our holidays with our families in a way that I wasn’t able to grow up,” he said.
A large number of community members applauded the introduction of the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives.

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Sim J. Singh Attariwala, Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, Sikh Coalition, said, “Recognition of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas will serve to enrich the cultural fabric of the United States and foster greater understanding and appreciation for the thriving South Asian diaspora. important to.” “Today is a milestone that demonstrates our visibility, our contributions and the progress we are making with the Diwali Day Act in the United States,” said Richard David, board member at the Indo-Caribbean Alliance.

Congratulations Congresswoman Meng, President of the Coalition of Hindus of North America Nikunj Trivedi said that this joyous festival is celebrated by millions of Americans and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness and brings goodness to people of all backgrounds, Brings together goodness, peace and prosperity – things that everyone can value and benefit from.

“As Hindu Americans, we are very pleased to see a bill to respect the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean and the multitude of festivities that take place on Diwali,” said Rhea Chakraborty, policy director for Hindus for Human Rights. “The time is right to recognize Diwali as a holiday in American public schools,” said Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of the International Nonviolence Foundation.

He said, “Our children should be treated equally. Just as our children celebrate other cultures, others should also celebrate and learn about our culture. Can teach respect, mutual understanding and mutual acceptance.”