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WASHINGTON, May 27 (PTI) — A prominent American lawmaker has introduced a bill in the United States Congress to declare Diwali, the festival of lights, a federal holiday, a move welcomed by diverse communities across the country.
If Congress passes the Diwali Act and is signed into law by President Joe Biden, Diwali will become the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States.
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“Diwali is one of the most important days of the year for billions of people around the world and for countless families and communities in Queens, New York and across the United States,” Congresswoman Grace Meng said recently told reporters at a virtual news conference here after the bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on Friday.
Democrat Meng said creating a federal holiday for Diwali would allow family and friends to celebrate together and show the government values the country’s multicultural make-up.
“Diwali celebrations are a wonderful time in Queens, and every year it’s easy to see how important this day is to so many people. The strength of America is the diversity of experiences, cultures and communities that make up this country,” she says.
“My Diwali bill is a step toward educating all Americans about the importance of this day and celebrating America’s diversity. I look forward to passing this bill in Congress,” Meng said. New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar welcomed the move, saying, “This year, we’ve seen the entire state speak with one voice in support of the recognition of Diwali and the South Asian community.”
“My extraordinary partner in government, Ms. Meng, is now leading a national campaign through her historic legislation to make Diwali a federal holiday. Together we show that Diwali is an American holiday. To the more than 4 million Americans who celebrate Diwali, Your government sees you and hears you,” she said.
New York State Sen. Jeremy Cooney praised Ms. Meng’s continued efforts to raise the profile of the Asian-American community, saying that making Diwali a federal holiday not only honors those who observe it, but also highlights how some Americans don’t. Cultural traditions that are often experienced.
“Diwali is a special holiday for many South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities,” said New York City Councilman Shekar Krishnan.
“As the first Indian-American ever elected to New York City government, I am proud to support Councilwoman Meng’s legislation to make Deepavali a federal holiday. It is vital that children like me To be able to officially celebrate our holiday with my family in a way I couldn’t grow up,” he said.
A large number of community members applauded the introduction of the Diwali Bill by the House of Representatives.
“The recognition of Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas is critical to enriching the cultural fabric of the United States and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the wealthy South Asian diaspora,” said Sim J Singh Attariwala, senior policy and advocacy manager for the Sikh Alliance.
“Today is a milestone that demonstrates our visibility, our contribution and the progress we have made in passing the Diwali Act in the United States,” said Richard David, Board Member of the Indian-Caribbean Alliance. Congratulations to Hindu Alliance Congresswoman Meng said Nikunj Trivedi, President North America.
Celebrated by millions of Americans, this joyful holiday symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and brings people from all backgrounds together to cherish goodness, happiness, peace and prosperity – something everyone can value and learn from. Something to benefit from, Trivedi said.
“As Indian-Americans, we are pleased to see a bill that recognizes the many celebrations in the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and beyond Diwali,” said Ria Chakrabarty, director of human rights policy for Hindus.
“It’s time to acknowledge Diwali as a public school holiday in the United States,” said Dr. Neeta Jain, founder and president of the International Nonviolence Foundation.
“Our children deserve to be treated as equals. When our children celebrate other cultures, other people should celebrate and learn about our cultures. This is the only way we can teach our children mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual acceptance,” she said .
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)
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