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Connecticut Governor signs Bill to make Diwali celebrations official
The new law makes Diwali celebrations easier for over 30,000 Connecticut Hindus.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Sat, 14, Jun 2025
- 00:19 EDT
- 100
Diwali, the ‘festival of lights,’ celebrates the triumph of light over darkness / Pexels
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has signed a bill to include Diwali to statute and has thereby made it possible for members of the hindu diaspora community to receive religious accommodations in workplaces and schools to celebrate the festival.
On June 10, Connecticut became the second state in the USA, after Pennsylvania, to include Diwali in statute.
ALSO READ: California Assembly moves to recognize Diwali as state holiday
The bill had previously received broad support in the Connecticut State Legislature, passing it unanimously in both the House and Senate.
Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and is observed by more than 30,000 Hindus throughout the state of Connecticut.
While many states have issued resolutions and proclamations acknowledging Diwali, including the holiday into law will make it easier for Connecticut’s Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains who observe Diwali to celebrate Diwali with their families and local communities.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) worked alongside Hamden resident, Rajeev Pahuja, to garner support from Connecticut’s Hindu community, which was instrumental in gaining recognition for the bill.
Pahuja thanked the governor and said, “I truly appreciate that the Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, signed Diwali into Connecticut law,”
He added, “The Diwali message is crucial and needed in Connecticut. 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.
Managing Director of HAF, Samir Kalra, applauded the achievement and said, “we are grateful for the tremendous support for the bill, not only from the Connecticut legislature, but also from the Connecticut Hindu community.
He added, “we hope to see other states follow Pennsylvania and Connecticut’s lead and make Diwali a state holiday for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains across the US.”
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