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I
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
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 Representa-
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tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
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This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Diwali Day Act’’.
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SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING DIWALI DAY.
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Congress finds the following:
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(1) Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an aus-
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picious day celebrated by many South and Southeast
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•HR 3336 IH
Asian communities as well as religious groups in-
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cluding the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain com-
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munities. Millions of Americans, both religious and
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secular, celebrate Diwali, which is also called the
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‘‘Festival of Lights’’.
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(2) Diwali falls on the fifteenth day of the
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eighth month or the New Moon Day in the month
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of Ka˜rtika of the Vedic lunar calendar, which occurs
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during October or November.
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(3) The celebration of Diwali coincides with the
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observation of the holidays recognized by many for
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Bandi Chhor Divas (the Day of Liberation), Kali
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Puja, and Tihar.
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(4) Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil
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and unfairness, and knowledge over ignorance. It is
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an annual time for celebration, reflection, prayer,
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and gatherings with family, friends, and community.
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SEC. 3. DIWALI DAY.
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Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, is
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amended by inserting after the item relating to Columbus
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Day the following:
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‘‘Diwali Day.’’.
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Æ
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