Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Nov 10: Five Indian-origin members of the US Congress have joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in supporting legislation seeking to declare Diwali a federal holiday in the United States.
The proposed legislation, known as the Diwali Day Act, has been reintroduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Grace Meng. A total of 19 lawmakers are backing the bill, including Indian-American representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera.
The bill seeks to grant Diwali official federal holiday status in recognition of the festival's cultural and religious significance to millions of people across the country.
Meng, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), said recognising Diwali as a federal holiday would send a message of inclusion to Hindu and other South Asian communities. She also expressed concern over rising incidents of anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate in the country.
“Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. At a time when anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate is on the rise, recognising Diwali as a federal holiday sends a powerful message that Hindus, as well as Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, are valued members of our society,” Meng said.
She referred to incidents of vandalism at Hindu places of worship, an alleged attempted mass shooting at a temple in Aurora, Illinois, and the disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington state.
“My Diwali Day Act would make this joyous holiday a federal holiday — recognition that is long overdue. The racist, anti-Hindu disruption in Seattle stands against the spirit of Diwali. Everyone deserves to celebrate safely and freely. We must stand together against this bigotry and hate in all its forms,” she added.
The reintroduction of the legislation has renewed attention on efforts to secure greater official recognition for the religious and cultural festivals celebrated by diverse communities across the United States.