Congresswoman Carolyn B Maloney from New York
Lawmaker introduces Bill in US Congress to declare Diwali as federal holiday
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Washington: Congresswoman Carolyn B Mahoney announced introducing a bill in US Congress, legislation that would make Diwali a nationally recognized federal holiday.
On Wednesday, the Democrat congresswoman from New York joined with Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Congressman Gregory Meeks Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee announced the introduction of the Deepavali Day Act.
"I'm very, very happy and excited to be introducing the Deepavali Day Act this week alongside members of the Congressional Indian Caucus, which will enshrine Diwali into law as a federal holiday," Maloney said at an event at the US Capitol.
The historic legislation is co-sponsored by a number of lawmakers including Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Mr Krishnamoorthi has also introduced a resolution in the US Congress recognising the religious and historical significance of Diwali.
Maloney said that Diwali this year symbolises the nation's continuing journey out of the darkness of COVID-19.
"Celebrations like Diwali speak to the core of what we all desire for our nation to be a beacon of happiness, healing, learning and light and uncertain times. My colleagues, Indian-American community leaders and I believe that there is no better time to enshrine Diwali as a federal holiday than in the wake of this terrible dark pandemic," Maloney said.
"This is something that should be shared with all of us In American society. It's a good day because we're talking about light over darkness. And that's what this is about," Meeks said.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee will be supporting this and advocating and moving forward with this great bill, he said.
Mr Krishnamoorthi said: "On this holiday of Diwali, we should say, be the light you wish to see in the world. Be the light in your community that is needed to dispel the darkness. Be the light in this community that brings hope to the hopeless. Let us be the light that helps the last, the least and the last."