US lawmakers reintroduce Diwali Day Act to designate festival as federal holiday

US lawmakers have reintroduced the <b>Diwali Day Act</b> in the House of Representatives to designate the festival as a federal holiday. Spearheaded by Congresswoman Grace Meng, the bill has secured backing from 19 lawmakers, including five Indian-origin representatives. The proposed legislation defines Diwali as a pivotal annual observance for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Proponents emphasize that enacting the bill would make Diwali the 12th federally recognized US holiday, fostering inclusion and honoring rich cultural traditions. The initiative comes amid a concerning surge in anti-Hindu and anti-South Asian hate, with lawmakers highlighting incidents like temple vandalism and targeted violence. Major organizations and community groups have endorsed the bill to ensure greater recognition and protection.