Illinois House passes bill to commemorate Diwali Days

State senate refers bill acknowledging Diwali as a significant cultural and spiritual occasion to select committee for review

In a major win for the Indian American community, the Illinois House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill to formally designate Diwali Day — the Indian festival of lights — as a day of thanksgiving and reflection in the state.

The state Senate Tuesday referred the bill to assignments – a select group of members for further review and study.

House Bill 1075, sponsored by State Representative Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove), amends the State Commemorative Dates Act.

READ: Indian Americans launch petition to make Diwali state holiday in (January 14, 2025)

It provides that, in accordance with the official day recognized by the government of the Republic of India, the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartika is designated as Diwali Day, to be observed throughout the State by the many Illinoisans who celebrate Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, as a day of thanksgiving and reflection

“This bill represents our state’s integral bond with the Indian American community, and our commitment to celebrating the diverse cultures that make Illinois a welcoming place for all people,” Didech stated in a Facebook post following the 103–0 House vote.

“I am proud to sponsor this meaningful bill that will recognize the integral bond between the Indian American community and the State of Illinois,” he added.

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

The bill received strong bipartisan support at the committee level. Didech expressed gratitude to community members such as Gowty Magati for providing testimony and community organizations such as the Lake County Indians Association and HSS Paanchajanya Shakha Buffalo Grove in Springfield for their support.

While the legislation does not establish Diwali as a state holiday or close public offices, it formally acknowledges the festival as a significant cultural and spiritual occasion for thousands of Illinois residents.

READ: Diwali recognized as an official state holiday in Pennsylvania (October 23, 2024)

The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Harry Benton, Fred Crespo, Michelle Mussman, Janet Yang Rohr, and Anne Stava-Murray.

If passed by the Senate, Illinois will join at least four other states who have recognized the cultural significance of the Indian festival of lights. Pennsylvania last year became the first state to designate Diwali as a public holiday. Texas, New Jersey and New York followed.