<p>In an effort to make Diwali a federal holiday in the US, lawmaker Grace Meng on Friday introduced a bill on the same in the Congress.&nbsp;"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, the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus tweeted on Saturday.</p>

<p>The bill cited as Diwali Day Act would designate Diwali as the 12th official federal holiday in the US.</p>

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<p>After introducing the bill in the House of Representatives, Meng, in a virtual conference, 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."</p>

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<p>“Diwali celebrations are a wonderful time here in Queens, and each year it is easy to see just how important this day is to so many people. America’s strength is derived from the diverse experiences, cultures and communities that make up this nation. My Diwali Day Act is one step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day, and celebrating the full face of American diversity. I look forward to shepherding this bill through Congress," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meng has also made efforts to make Diwali a school holiday in New York City, her hometown. The US Representative continues to advocate for state and local recognition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid.</p>

<h2><strong>Pennsylvania declares Diwali as official holiday</strong></h2>

<p>In April, the US state of Pennsylvania declared Diwali as a state holiday. The state House passed a bill recognising the Hindu festival as an official holiday.</p>

<p>“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," Senator Nikil Saval tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28</strong></p>

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<p>Two senators from Pennsylvania, Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval, introduced the bill to recognise Diwali as a state holiday in February of this year. More than 600,000 Asian Americans call Pennsylvania home, with Indian Americans constituting the biggest subgroup, according to India American Impact. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Every year, the state's almost 200,000 Indian Americans celebrate Diwali in splendour.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Significant festival in India&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival in India and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is known as the "Festival of Lights" and symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In the United States, Diwali is celebrated by the Indian diaspora and people from various cultural backgrounds.<br />
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In an effort to make Diwali a federal holiday in the US, lawmaker Grace Meng on Friday introduced a bill on the same in the Congress. "Today, I was proud to announce the introduction of the #Diwali Day Act, my bill that would make Diwali a federal holiday.

In an effort to make Diwali a federal holiday in the US, lawmaker Grace Meng on Friday introduced a bill on the same in the Congress. "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, the First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus tweeted on Saturday. The bill cited as Diwali Day Act would designate Diwali as the 12th official federal holiday in the US. Also Read | Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel After introducing the bill in the House of Representatives, Meng, in a virtual conference, 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." Also Read | Aid worker arrives in Belgium after prisoner swap with Iranian diplomat “Diwali celebrations are a wonderful time here in Queens, and each year it is easy to see just how important this day is to so many people. America’s strength is derived from the diverse experiences, cultures and communities that make up this nation. My Diwali Day Act is one step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day, and celebrating the full face of American diversity. I look forward to shepherding this bill through Congress," she added. Meng has also made efforts to make Diwali a school holiday in New York City, her hometown. The US Representative continues to advocate for state and local recognition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid. Pennsylvania declares Diwali as official holiday In April, the US state of Pennsylvania declared Diwali as a state holiday. The state House passed a bill recognising the Hindu festival as an official holiday. “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," Senator Nikil Saval tweeted. Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28 × Two senators from Pennsylvania, Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval, introduced the bill to recognise Diwali as a state holiday in February of this year. More than 600,000 Asian Americans call Pennsylvania home, with Indian Americans constituting the biggest subgroup, according to India American Impact. Every year, the state's almost 200,000 Indian Americans celebrate Diwali in splendour. Significant festival in India Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a significant festival in India and is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is known as the "Festival of Lights" and symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In the United States, Diwali is celebrated by the Indian diaspora and people from various cultural backgrounds. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US lawmaker Grace Meng introduces bill to declare Hindu festival of Diwali a federal holiday

<p>US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office of the White House along with senior Indian-American members of the administration, including Nikki Haley, Seema Verma and community leaders.</p>

<p>Cabinet ranking Haley is US Ambassador to the UN and Seema Verma is the administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.</p>

<p>Ajit Pai, Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission and Raj Shah his Principal Deputy Press Secretary were among those from his administration.</p>

<p>Trump&#39;s daughter Ivanka also joined the President in the Diwali celebrations.</p>

<p>Last year&nbsp;Ivanka, who is now a presidential advisor, had visited Hindu temples in Virginia and Florida as part of Diwali.</p>

<p>Trump, then&nbsp;the Republican presidential nominee, had addressed the Indian-American community from a public meeting in New Jersey wherein he lit the traditional <em>diya&nbsp;</em>(lamp).</p>

<p>The tradition of Diwali celebrations was first started by former President George Bush.</p>

<p>During his term, it was celebrated mostly in the India Treaty Room of the adjacent executive office building, which is part of the White House Complex.</p>

<p>President Bush never personally participated in the White House Diwali celebrations.</p>

<p>In the first year of his presidency, his successor Barack Obama&nbsp;lit the ceremonial <em>diya </em>in the East Rook of the White House. Thereafter he made it a point to celebrate the festival of lights in one way or the other.</p>


The tradition of Diwali celebrations was first started by former President George Bush

US President Donald Trump celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office of the White House along with senior Indian-American members of the administration, including Nikki Haley, Seema Verma and community leaders. Cabinet ranking Haley is US Ambassador to the UN and Seema Verma is the administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Ajit Pai, Chairman of the US Federal Communications Commission and Raj Shah his Principal Deputy Press Secretary were among those from his administration. Trump's daughter Ivanka also joined the President in the Diwali celebrations. Last year Ivanka, who is now a presidential advisor, had visited Hindu temples in Virginia and Florida as part of Diwali. Trump, then the Republican presidential nominee, had addressed the Indian-American community from a public meeting in New Jersey wherein he lit the traditional diya (lamp). The tradition of Diwali celebrations was first started by former President George Bush. During his term, it was celebrated mostly in the India Treaty Room of the adjacent executive office building, which is part of the White House Complex. President Bush never personally participated in the White House Diwali celebrations. In the first year of his presidency, his successor Barack Obama lit the ceremonial diya in the East Rook of the White House. Thereafter he made it a point to celebrate the festival of lights in one way or the other.

Trump celebrates Diwali in Oval office

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diwali in-united-states

US lawmaker Grace Meng introduces bill to declare Hindu festival of Diwali a federal holiday

Trump celebrates Diwali in Oval office