The bill designating Indian festivals and more as state holidays seeks to promote inclusivity and foster cultural understanding
Our Bureau
Lansing, MI
Michigan state bill 4446 and bill 4449 which sought to declare Diwali and Vaishaki as State Holidays, introduced by Indian American state representative, Ranjeev Puri, have officially been passed by the state house recently.
After the bill had been passed, the House declared in a media note, “The House of Representatives passed a package of bills today acknowledging the rich diversity of cultures and religions that Michiganders celebrate and observe.”
Puri elaborated further on social media platform X “I am so excited to announce that the House passed out bills that will designate 6 new state holidays in celebration of our state’s rich cultural diversity. My bills would designate Diwali and Vaisakhi as official state holidays in the state of Michigan.”
“Cultural diversity helps Michigan flourish and grow. By making sure these holidays are on the state’s calendar, we’re recognizing the many beliefs, celebrations, and communities that make our state strong,” said Puri. “Together, we are creating a more welcoming, inclusive Michigan that accepts people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” he added.
House Bill 4446 makes Diwali a state holiday. Diwali is a Hindu religious festival that commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This festival lasts for 5 days and is celebrated by people from all around the world.
House Bill 4449 declares the Sikh festival, Vaisakhi a state holiday. It is a spring harvest festival celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs with festivities, time spent with friends and family, and gift-giving.
The other festivals included are Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Lunar New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.
