Bill in US Congress to recognise Diwali as federal holiday

Mangalore Today News Network

Washington, Nov 10, 2026: A group of US lawmakers, led by Congresswoman Grace Meng, has reintroduced legislation in the House of Representatives seeking to declare Diwali a federal holiday in the United States.

Meng, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), joined 19 other lawmakers, including Raja Krishnamoorthi, Suhas Subramanyam, Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna and Ami Bera, in reintroducing the Diwali Day Act.

“My Diwali Day Act will help educate Americans about the importance of this day, and I will continue working to create a more inclusive nation that honours the rich cultural traditions of its people,” Meng said in a statement.

The proposed legislation recognises Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as one of the most significant annual celebrations for several religious communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. It is also widely celebrated by people across South Asian, Southeast Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.

Meng noted that although Diwali holds different religious, cultural and historical significance for various communities, the festival brings people together through reflection, prayer and celebrations with family and friends.

"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," she said.

According to CAPAC, Hindu and South Asian communities across the US have been facing a worrying increase in hate incidents, intimidation and targeted violence.

The caucus cited incidents including vandalism at Hindu places of worship, an attempted mass shooting during Navratri celebrations at a Hindu temple in Illinois, and a recent racist disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington State.

CAPAC said such incidents must be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated by federal authorities.

If passed by Congress, the legislation would make Diwali the 12th federally recognised holiday in the United States. The move would also provide a day off for federal employees and serve as recognition of the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

Meng is also the author of the Lunar New Year Day Act, which seeks to establish Lunar New Year as a federally recognised holiday.

The Diwali Day Act has received endorsements from several organisations, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the Coalition of Hindus of North America, Hindus for Human Rights, the Hindu Temple Society of North America, Indian American Impact, the Sikh Coalition and several other Asian American and South Asian community organisations.