Grace Meng Reintroduces Diwali Day Act for Federal Holiday
Congresswoman Grace Meng and 19 lawmakers reintroduced legislation to establish Diwali as the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States.
U.S. Congresswoman Grace Meng and 19 other lawmakers reintroduced the Diwali Day Act in the House of Representatives on November 9, 2026. The legislation proposes establishing Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States to honor the cultural traditions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, and South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Indo-Caribbean communities.
Supporters of the bill, including the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, argue that federal recognition is necessary to counter a rise in anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate. The caucus cited specific incidents of religious intimidation, including vandalism at places of worship, a racist disruption of a Diwali celebration in Washington state, and an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Illinois during Navratri festivities.
The act has received endorsements from 17 civil rights and religious organizations. Meng stated that the bill aims to educate Americans about the importance of the day and create a more inclusive nation.
