Grace Meng
A prominent American legislator submitted a bill in the US Congress on Friday to make Diwali, the festival of lights, a government holiday, a move that has been hailed by various communities around the country.
“Diwali is one of the most important days of the year for billions of people around the world, as well as for countless families and communities in Queens, New York, and the United States”, Congresswoman Grace Meng told the media shortly after introducing the bill in the House of Representatives.
When passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, the Diwali Day Act would make the festival of lights the 12th nationally recognized holiday in the United States.
According to the Congresswoman, establishing a federal holiday for Diwali and providing a day off would allow families and friends to celebrate together while also demonstrating that the government recognizes the nation’s broad cultural makeup.
“Diwali celebrations are a wonderful time here in Queens, and it is easy to see just how important this day is to so many people every year. America’s strength stems from the diverse experiences, cultures, and communities that comprise this country”, she remarked.
“My Diwali Day Act is one step towards educating all Americans about the significance of this day and celebrating America’s diversity. I am excited to shepherd this bill through Congress”, Meng continued.
“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”, Meng added.
New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney praised Meng for her ongoing efforts to boost the prominence of the Asian-American community, saying that making Diwali a federal holiday not only honors people who observe it but also spotlights a cultural custom that some Americans do not encounter on a regular basis.
New York City Councilman Shekar Krishnan said, “Diwali is a special holiday for so many South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities”.
He went on to say, “As the first Indian American ever elected to NYC government, I am so proud to support Congresswoman Meng’s legislation to establish ‘Deepavali’ as a federal holiday”.
“It is crucial that children like my own are able to officially celebrate our holidays with their families in a way that I was not able to grow up”, he added.
A vast number of community members hailed the House of Representatives introduction of the Diwali Day Act.
Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager at The Sikh Coalition, Sim J Singh Attariwala said, “Recognition of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas is critical to enriching the cultural fabric of the United States and fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the rich South Asian diaspora”.
“Today is a milestone that demonstrates our visibility, contributions, and the progress we are making in the United States with the Diwali Day Act”, stated Richard David, Board Member of the Indo-Caribbean Alliance.
Congratulation Nikunj Trivedi, president of the Coalition of Hindus of North America, told Congresswoman Meng that this joyful festival is celebrated by millions of Americans and represents the triumph of good over evil and of light over darkness. It also brings people from all walks of life together to cherish goodness, well-being, peace, and prosperity—things that everyone can value and benefit from.
Policy Director for Hindus for Human Rights, Ria Chakrabarty said, “As Hindu Americans, we are so glad to see a bill to honor the multitude of celebrations that take place across the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and beyond on Diwali”.
Dr. Neeta Jain, founder, and president of the International Ahimsa Foundation stated, “It is high time to recognize Diwali as a holiday in United States public schools”.
“Our children must be treated equally. While our children celebrate other cultures, others should also celebrate and learn about ours. This is the only way we can teach children mutual respect, understanding, and acceptance”, she explained.
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