US lawmaker proposes bill to establish Diwali as federal holiday
1 min read 27 May 2023, 09:05 AM ISTIt has recently gained recognition in the state of Pennsylvania, as the Pennsylvania State Senate approved a bill to officially acknowledge Diwali as a holiday.
PremiumUS Congress member Grace Meng on Friday put forth a bill in the US Congress seeking the official recognition of Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States.
"Today, I was proud to announce the introduction of the #Diwali Day Act, my bill that would make Diwali a federal holiday. Thank you to all my government colleagues and the many advocates who joined me to express their support," Meng tweeted on Saturday.
Meng during a virtual news conference in the US soon after introducing the bill in the House of Representatives, said: “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."
Diwali, commonly referred to as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, holds significant cultural and religious importance in India.
It has recently gained recognition in the state of Pennsylvania, as the Pennsylvania State Senate approved a bill to officially acknowledge Diwali as a holiday. Nikil Saval, a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, shared this news through a tweet.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, Nikil Saval expressed gratitude to Greg Rothman for giving him the opportunity to join him in introducing the bill.
He tweeted, "The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday! To all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter. Thank you, @rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill."
