Photo Courtesy of Rep. Meng
Congresswoman Meng holds up her Diwali Day Act Friday afternoon as she announces the introduction of her legislation.
By Forum Staff
Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced on Friday that she has introduced the Diwali Day Act, a bill to make the Festival of Lights a federal holiday.
Diwali is one of the most important holidays for many in the South Asian, Southeast Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities, as well as many religious groups including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. Billions around the world celebrate Diwali, including the millions who commemorate the holiday in the United States.
“Diwali is one of the most important days of the year for billions of people across the globe, and for countless families and communities in Queens, New York, and the United States,” said Meng. “Diwali celebrations are a wonderful time here in Queens, and each year it is easy to see just how important this day is to so many people. America’s strength is derived from the diverse experiences, cultures and communities that make up this nation. My Diwali Day Act is one step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day, and celebrating the full face of American diversity. I look forward to shepherding this bill through Congress.”
Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. While the holiday holds a different significance for various cultural, ethnic and religious groups, the Festival of Lights is universally a time for celebration, reflection, prayer and gatherings with loved ones. Diwali will be celebrated later this year on Nov. 12.
Under Meng’s legislation, Diwali would become the twelfth federally recognized holiday in the United States. Establishing a federal holiday for Diwali, and the day off it would provide, would allow families and friends to celebrate together, and demonstrate that the government values the diverse cultural makeup of the nation.
Meng has also pushed to make Diwali a school holiday in the five boroughs.
“After making history as the first Indian-American woman elected to New York State office, I was proud to lead the movement for Diwali to be a school holiday in New York City,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven). “This year, we saw our entire state speak with one voice in support of recognizing Diwali and the South Asian community. My extraordinary partner in government Congresswoman Meng is now taking the movement national with her historic legislation to make Diwali a federal holiday. Together, we are showing that Diwali is an American holiday. To the over 4 million Americans who celebrate Diwali, your government sees you and hears you.”
“The recognition of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas is pivotal to enriching the cultural fabric of the United States and fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the rich South Asian diaspora,” said Sim J Singh Attariwala, senior policy and advocacy manager of The Sikh Coalition. “By embracing these celebrations, we not only include and integrate communities but also strengthen the bonds of our multicultural society, making America a more vibrant and compassionate nation for all.”
Endorsing organizations include Indian Diaspora Council, Sikh Coalition, International Commission on Dalit Rights, Indo-Caribbean Alliance, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Asian American Federation (AAF), National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), The Sikh Cultural Society, Hindu Temple Society of North America, Hindus for Human Rights, Coalition of Hindus of North America and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.
