Democrats Push for Federal Holiday Designation of Diwali in the U.S.

Washington, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : Congresswoman Grace Meng believes that with the Democratic Party controlling both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the chances of declaring Diwali a federal holiday in the United States have significantly increased. In a recent interview, the New York Democrat expressed her intention to revive legislative efforts for this recognition in the upcoming Congress.

Meng highlighted that officially recognizing Diwali would not only benefit the communities that celebrate the festival but also provide an opportunity for all Americans to understand its cultural significance. “When people receive a day off for a festival, it’s not just about taking a break; it’s about learning and understanding the traditions behind it,” she explained.

This proposal is not new; Meng first introduced it in 2023. She noted that the current efforts are about reintroducing the proposal. When asked why progress has been slow, she pointed to the lengthy process involved in granting national holiday status to Juneteenth and implementing school holidays in New York.

“Yes, it takes time for holidays to gain official recognition, so it’s crucial to keep pushing,” Meng stated. She believes that the Democratic majority in Congress could further strengthen the likelihood of this proposal becoming law.

When asked if she would reintroduce the proposal in the new Congress, she affirmed, “Absolutely.” Meng is actively working to gather co-sponsors in the House and hopes to present the bill in the Senate as well. She emphasized the importance of bipartisan support, stating that this initiative reflects respect and inclusivity towards the rapidly growing Asian American communities.

Reflecting on her time in the New York state legislature, Meng recalled her support for declaring school holidays for Lunar New Year, Eid, and Diwali. Her efforts have led to these holidays being recognized in New York City.

Meng first learned about Diwali during her high school and college years through friends. The festival’s message of joy and hope has always resonated with her. She noted that the increasing recognition of Diwali, including greetings from leaders of various political parties and participation in celebrations, has enhanced its visibility in the U.S.

However, Meng also expressed concern about the rising hate and hostility towards South Asian communities. She cited a staggering 240% increase in online hate against these groups in recent years, though she did not provide sources for this statistic during the interview.

Such hate speech impacts communities and poses safety risks, she warned. Meng referenced a thwarted mass shooting attempt at a Hindu temple in Illinois, where Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi was worshipping with his family, and incidents of disruption during Diwali celebrations in Washington state by racist activists.

Meng welcomed the election of two Indian-American members to Congress, noting their victories in tough races and their contributions to flipping Republican-held seats to the Democratic side. She maintained contact with these leaders during their campaigns and reconnected during orientation for new members in Washington.

She also highlighted the significance of Kamala Harris’s ascent to a top constitutional position, showcasing the increasing participation of people of Indian descent in American public life.

Diwali, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhist communities, holds special importance among the Indian diaspora in the U.S. While local celebrations and official greetings have increased its recognition, it currently lacks federal holiday status.

For Diwali to be declared a federal holiday, the proposal must be passed by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the President.