US lawmakers, led by Congresswoman Grace Meng, have reintroduced the Diwali Day Act, seeking to establish Diwali as the 12th federally recognised holiday in the United States.
Backed by 19 co-sponsors—including Indian-origin representatives Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, and Ro Khanna—the legislation aims to amend Title 5 of the US Code.
First proposed in May 2023, the original bill stalled in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability without reaching a floor vote. The renewed push comes amid growing calls for cultural inclusion and heightened concerns over anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hostility across the nation.
Meng, who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), emphasised that formal recognition would educate the public while honouring the rich heritage of millions of Americans. “Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance,” Meng stated, noting that federal status sends a clear message of value and respect to Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities.
If Congress passes the Diwali Day Act and the President signs it into law, it would grant federal employees a paid day off and formally celebrate the festival of lights nationwide.
