Diwali Day Act

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 10967 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 10967

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

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 9, 2026

Ms. Meng (for herself, Ms. Barragan, Mr. Bell, Mr. Bera, Mr. Carson, Ms. Chu, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Ross, Ms. Simon, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mrs. Watson Coleman, and Ms. Jayapal) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

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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 Deepvali, is an auspicious day celebrated by many South and Southeast Asian communities as well as members of diverse 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 additional religious holidays recognized by many, including 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.''. <all>