Connecticut Becomes Second State of USA to Recognize Diwali as Holiday
Hartford
Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1519 on June 10, providing religious accommodations for the state’s 30,000 Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains to celebrate the cultural holiday.
Connecticut has officially recognized Diwali as a state holiday, becoming the second state after Pennsylvania to enshrine the Festival of Lights into law. Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1519 on Tuesday, June 10, providing religious accommodations for the state’s 30,000 Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains to celebrate the cultural holiday.
The bill received unanimous support from Connecticut’s State Legislature and laid out workplace and educational accommodations for observants.
The legislation, introduced by a bipartisan committee, will go into effect on October 1, 2025, ensuring that community members can observe Diwali without workplace or school-related barriers.
Rajeev Pahuja, a Hamden resident who worked with the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) to support the bill, said, “Diwali not only represents the rich tapestry of our diverse community, it reminds us to respect and understand one another. Making Diwali a state holiday ensures that future generations of Hindus will be seen and valued in Connecticut.”
Read – Diwali: A Radiant Celebration of Culture, Spirituality, and Victory over Darkness
_________________
Courtesy: India Currents
