A group of U.S. lawmakers, led by Grace Meng, on Monday (November 9, 2026) said they will re-introduce a bill in the House of Representatives to recognise Deepavali as a federal holiday.
Ms. “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,” Ms. “This includes vandalism at Hindu places of worship, an attempted mass shooting during Navratri festivities at a Hindu temple in Illinois, and the recent racist disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington State. If the Bill is passed by Congress, Deepavali would become the 12th federally recognised holiday in the United States.
“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,” Ms. Meng said in a statement. Meng said while the celebration holds a different significance for these diverse religious, ethnic and cultural groups, the Festival of Lights unites those who observe with reflection, prayer and gathering with loved ones. Meng said. Hindu and South Asian communities across the country are facing an alarming rise in hate, intimidation, and targeted violence, a CAPAC statement said. CAPAC has been sounding the alarm that these acts of hate must be taken seriously and investigated by federal authorities,” it said.
Establishing a federal holiday for Deepavali, and the day off it would provide, would demonstrate that the government values the rich cultures and traditions of its citizens. She introduced an earlier version of the Diwali Day Act in the US House of Representatives on May 15, 2023, during the 118th Congress under the rule of Joe Biden .
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.
Earlier reporting noted: “Diwali represents the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Earlier reporting noted: This is not the first time Meng has pushed for federal recognition of Diwali.
