Connecticut has added a new holiday to the calendar that officials say represents the triumph of good over evil and diversity and inclusion as the state’s strength. Diwali, the festival of lights, will be officially observed for the first time this year after Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 25-59 into law this week.
“The state of Connecticut officially recognizes Diwali, the festival of light, as an official observance in our state. Diwali is a time for family, for reflection and celebration,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said at the bill signing at the Capitol Tuesday. “By honoring Diwali we are also honoring the many contributions of our Indian American and South Asian communities who enrich the beautiful cultural fabric of Connecticut every day. This recognition is about more than a date on the calendar. It’s about ensuring that our state continues to celebrate diversity and inclusion as our strengths.”
The holiday is celebrated by more than a billion people in India and around the world including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Celebrants often light rows of lamps or candles to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, decorate their homes and exchange gifts and sweets. The festival’s dates are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and this year will be observed Oct. 20.
The bill was passed by the legislature after lobbying from the community spearheaded by Rajeev Pahuja, who thanked officials for supporting the bill.
“I know it was a hard task but we got it accomplished as a team to be the second state behind Pennsylvania. That’s a huge accomplishment,” Pahuja said.
Calling Diwali a beautiful holiday in regard to diversity and inclusiveness, he noted that Diwali is an American holiday, “celebrated by millions of families around the world and the growing number of families celebrating in Connecticut. Diwali is a holiday that brings families together. It should be celebrated by everyone.”
Pahuja explained that Diwali is “the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.”
“Diwali is a reminder that we must do our part to achieve victory by dedicating ourselves to serving others in the state of Connecticut. If we affirm our commitments to one another and strive to lift each other up, then together we will continue moving closer to a brighter future here in the state of Connecticut,” he said.
Sharad Patney, CEO of the tech company VLink, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Indian American community.
“This recognition is not only an honor for our community. This also is the reflection of inclusiveness and diversity of our great state,” he said. “I appreciate again for the administration to recognize this day. Our community has proudly called Connecticut home for many years. We are entrepreneurs, we are professionals, we are health care providers, we are educators, innovators. We are raising our families here, participating in creating jobs and helping grow the economy. We are very proud of calling Connecticut our home.”
By recognizing Diwali, Patney said, Connecticut recognizes the value of “peace, prosperity and harmony.”
State Rep. Savet Constantine, D-Wilton, said “it’s an important part of our community, it’s an important part of America to make sure that we’re recognizing the people who are here and their holidays.”
State Rep. Maryam Khan, the first Muslim representative in Connecticut, said growing up she didn’t see her religious holidays recognized outside of her home and community and that she is excited for the Connecticut children who soon will, thanks to the new law.
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam echoed her sentiments of seeing little representation as a child, saying “Growing up as a South Asian kid in this country I felt so different than others. It’s a completely different understanding of where your place is and where your acceptance is.”
“To see all of these South Asian community leaders and state reps here celebrating Diwali, which will be a state holiday – I mean what an incredible landmark – and I think what we all learn whether or not we celebrate Diwali in our family is that there’s universality of the values we share.”
Lamont said while Diwali means the celebration of light to most, to him it means something different.
“It’s our way of saying thank you for making Connecticut you home. We welcome you here, we’re so proud you call Connecticut home and I think part of the strength of our state is that we welcome the diversity that makes the state so incredibly special,” he said.
He recalled a trade mission he conducted six months ago during which those he encountered were concerned not about workforce or economic issues but about whether they would feel welcome in America.
“I was very anxious when I heard the great fear of many of the folks in India would they feel welcome here so for Susan and myself and I think folks behind me, this is one more way of saying you’re very welcome here in the state of Connecticut.”
