Indian Americans launch petition to make Diwali state holiday in Massachusetts

Petition launched in support of bill introduced by Massachusetts State Senator Mike Moore to designate Diwali as state holiday

By Arun Kumar

Indian American community in Massachusetts has launched a petition in support of a bill introduced by Massachusetts State Senator Mike Moore to designate Diwali as an official state holiday.

The legislation, SD.130, aims to honor the cultural significance of the Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions globally and embraced by diverse communities across Massachusetts.

READ: Florida’s Broward County public schools declare Diwali a holiday (December 24th, 2024) 

If enacted, the bill would require the governor to proclaim the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as the official Diwali Day, establishing it as a state holiday and acknowledging its message of light triumphing over darkness and its role in fostering unity and reflection.

Anand Sharma, a long-time advocate for cultural recognition, has launched a petition in support of the legislation saying, “This initiative mirrors recent successes in states like Pennsylvania where Diwali has been officially recognized as a state holiday, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and contributions of the South Asian community.”

To support this significant effort, Sharma asked members of the community to contact their local lawmakers, express their support for SD.130 and share the importance of recognizing Diwali as a state holiday.

Sharma asked the community to educate friends and neighbors about the cultural significance of Diwali and the positive impact of this bill as also Join local gatherings and discussions to demonstrate community backing for this initiative.

“Your active participation is crucial in ensuring the success of this bill,” he wrote. “Let’s make our kids proud of their heritage and help strengthen their roots. Together, we can celebrate and honor the cultural diversity that enriches our Commonwealth.”

If passed, the bill would make Massachusetts one of a few states in the U.S. to officially recognize Diwali as a public holiday, further celebrating the state’s diverse cultural heritage.

Pennsylvania become the first U.S. state to declare Diwali an official public holiday, under a bipartisan bill signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in October 2024.

The new law designates Diwali to be observed annually on the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, with the first official celebration under this law occurring from Oct 31 to Nov 1, 2024.

Apart from Pennsylvania, New York City also took a step in recognition of Diwali. In 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that would make Diwali a school holiday for public schools in the city so that students who celebrate the festival can do so without missing school.