Diwali Day Act

Diwali Day Act

This bill establishes Diwali, also known as Deepavali, as a federal holiday.

[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3336 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 3336

 To amend title 5, United States Code, to establish Diwali, also known 
    as ``Deepavali'', as a Federal holiday, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                              May 15, 2023

     Ms. Meng (for herself, Mr. Bera, Mr. Carson, Ms. DelBene, Mr. 
 Fitzpatrick, Mr. Gottheimer, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Kim of New 
  Jersey, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Payne, Mr. Thanedar, and Mrs. 
 Watson Coleman) introduced the following bill; which was referred to 
             the Committee on Oversight and Accountability

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                                 A BILL


 
 To amend title 5, United States Code, to establish Diwali, also known 
    as ``Deepavali'', as a Federal holiday, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Diwali Day Act''.

SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING DIWALI DAY.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an auspicious day 
        celebrated by many South and Southeast Asian communities as 
        well as religious groups including the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, 
        and Jain communities. Millions of Americans, both religious and 
        secular, celebrate Diwali, which is also called the ``Festival 
        of Lights''.
            (2) Diwali falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month 
        or the New Moon Day in the month of Kartika of the Vedic lunar 
        calendar, which occurs during October or November.
            (3) The celebration of Diwali coincides with the 
        observation of the holidays recognized by many for Bandi Chhor 
        Divas (the Day of Liberation), Kali Puja, and Tihar.
            (4) Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and 
        unfairness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is an annual time 
        for celebration, reflection, prayer, and gatherings with 
        family, friends, and community.

SEC. 3. DIWALI DAY.

    Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by 
inserting after the item relating to Columbus Day the following:
            ``Diwali Day.''.
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