Efforts to formally recognize Diwali and the Lunar New Year as federal holidays in New York will become a reality as the New York State Assembly plans to pass legislation.
Lawmakers and members of the diaspora have been advocating for years to make these important cultural festivals official holidays.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie stressed the importance of recognizing New York’s diverse culture and expressed the Assembly’s intent to pass legislation observing Lunar New Year and Diwali as holidays before the end of the legislative session.
Discussions are also underway with stakeholders regarding the impact on the school year calendar.
Action on the bills is anticipated for June 8, coinciding with the conclusion of the legislative session.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, representing New York’s 6th congressional district, parts of western, central, and northeast Queens, and first vice chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific US Caucus, will announce legislation making Diwali a federal holiday on Friday.
Under the Congresswoman’s Diwali Day Act, Diwali would become the 12th federally recognized holiday in the United States, according to a statement from her office.
“Establishing a federal holiday for Diwali and the day off would allow families and friends to celebrate together and show that the government values the diverse cultural makeup of the nation.” added.
Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and State Senator Joe Addabbo, who are sponsoring the New York State bill that aims to designate Diwali as a school holiday in New York City, will join Congresswoman Grace Meng for the long-awaited advertisement.
Also in attendance will be Council Member Shekar Krishnan, the first Indian American member of the New York City Council, and Council Member Linda Lee, who recently pushed through a City Council resolution endorsing New York City’s school holidays for Diwali. .
Together, these esteemed individuals will emphasize the importance of this legislation and its impact on the local community.
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“I am delighted that the Assembly is voting on legislation that seeks to celebrate the Lunar New Year and Diwali as holidays in the state of New York. I was proud to champion these issues when I served in the state Legislature, where I led the Lunar New Year bill. I worked to make the Lunar New Year a school party in New York City, and have long called for the same to be done for Diwali.” she said.
Meng added that the holidays should “Recognize and reflect the great diversity of our communities, and I look forward to seeing these bills move through the State Assembly.”
(With PTI inputs)
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Source: vtt.edu.vn