Rep. Meng Pushes for Diwali to Become Federal Holiday

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Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) has reintroduced the Diwali Day Act, a proposal to make Diwali a federal holiday in the United States. The bill aims to recognize the cultural and religious significance of Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, as a time of celebration, reflection, and community gathering.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is traditionally observed on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, which falls in October or November. The bill emphasizes the festival’s symbolism of the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Meng stated that the reintroduction of the bill is a step toward acknowledging the growing Indian-American community and promoting inclusivity.

According to the bill, making Diwali a federal holiday would grant civil servants and teachers a day off, while also supporting pro-diversity advocacy. The U.S. currently has a Hindu population of about 1% as of 2020, with approximately 6 million people of Indian descent. The actual date of Diwali varies each year due to its lunar calendar basis.

Meng’s bill has garnered support from 19 co-sponsors, including notable Democrats such as Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, and Tom Suozzi. Meng also highlighted recent anti-Hindu incidents in Seattle, stating that they contradict the spirit of Diwali, which promotes safety and free celebration.

The Diwali Day Act represents a broader effort to recognize and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions within the United States. As the Indian-American population continues to grow, the push for cultural recognition through federal holidays reflects an increasing emphasis on inclusivity and diversity in American society.

Source: Breitbart

Written by

Connor Davis