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By Tom Sanders
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The Hindu celebration day Diwali could become the 12th federal holiday in the US, receiving official recognition before religious holidays such as Easter and Hanukkah.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant holidays of the year for many groups in the south-asian community, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The five-day festival takes place between November 6-10 this year, with 2027's festival scheduled to begin on October 27.
In a bill submitted to congress on Tuesday titled the Diwali Day Act, Democratic Congresswoman Grace Meng proposes enshrining Diwali as a federal holiday as a rebuttal to the rising tide of south-Asian prejudice.
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“Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” Meng, re-elected to New York's 6th congressional district, said in a press release. “At a time when anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate is on the rise, recognizing Diwali as a federal holiday sends a powerful message that Hindus, as well as Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, are valued members of our society.
“Here in Queens, I see firsthand how meaningful Diwali is to so many families and communities. 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 honors the rich cultural traditions of its people.”
The bill has been resubmitted to Congress by Meng for the second time, after being initially introduced in 2023. It currently has 19 co-sponsors, including Reps. Ro Khanna, Rashida Tlaib, and Josh Gottheimer.
Despite the submission, it is unlikely the bill will make it into law. The last time it was submitted, it was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and failed to progress past that stage.
Meng is the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. The measure has been endorsed by groups such as the Asian American Federation (AAF), the Indian Diaspora Council, and the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC).
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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