US Congress : Lawmaker to introduce Bill to make Diwali federal holiday .

Congressman Carolyn Maloney will introduce a bill in US Congress, which aims to establish Diwali as a federal holiday in the United States. According to ANI, Maloney, who is a Congresswoman from New York, will be joined by members of the Indian Caucus, including lawmakers Ro Khanna and Raja Krishnamoorthi, to introduce her legislation at the Hill. Additionally, Sanjeev Joshipura, Executive Director, Indiaspora, will also join Maloney, who has been a long supporter of the Indian diaspora. 

Now, if the bill gets approval, the holiday would be observed in federal institutions. It is to mention that in the past Maloney has successfully worked with advocates across the nation and led efforts in Congress to appeal to the US Postal Service to approve and issue a commemorative stamp honouring Diwali, which has been in circulation since 2016. She relentlessly even fought for this cause as she felt that a “relatively small action” would hold great meaning for millions of people.  

Earlier at a Diwali celebration event, US lawmakers had said that the Hindu-American culture has enriched the United States and the world. The event is normally attended by a large number of lawmakers, members of the administration, and eminent community leaders from across the country. Because of COVID-19 and restrictions on the number of attendees at an event, the celebration was restricted this year but was webcast live.