With the festival of lights just around the corner, congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is going to introduce a bill in US Congress, which would establish Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States.
If the bill is approved, Diwali will be celebrated in federal institutions, with significant populations that observe this pious occasion.
The Democrat Congresswoman from New York will be joined by the members of the India Caucus including Congressman Ro Khanna, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and other advocates on Wednesday, November 3, to introduce her legislation at the Hill.
Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora will also join the congresswoman as a representative of the Indian American community.
The bill aims to honor the cultural heritage of millions of Indian Americans who celebrate the holiday in the United States.
Congressman Maloney in the past has successfully worked with advocates across the country and led efforts in Congress urging the US Postal Service to approve and issue a commemorative stamp honoring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016.
Maloney relentlessly fought for this cause as she felt that “a relatively small action would hold great meaning for millions of people.”
Congresswoman Maloney, who has been long supporter of the Indian diaspora in US, also chairs the Oversight Committee.
Diwali will be celebrated on November 4 this year.
With inputs from ANI
[Photograph courtesy: @RepMaloney]
