Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali.

Bill Number

H.Res. 824

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-04-10T08:06:01Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 824) aims to formally recognize the religious and historical importance of Diwali, a major festival celebrated by Indian-Americans and others in the United States. It highlights Diwali's cultural and spiritual value to promote respect for religious diversity and strengthen ties between the U.S. and India.

Key Provisions

• Background on Diwali: The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses describing Diwali (also known as Deepavali) as a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others. It notes:
• Celebrations involve lighting oil lamps to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
• For Hindus, it marks thanksgiving, prayer for health and peace, and the start of the New Year.
• For Sikhs, it commemorates Guru Hargobind's release from captivity.
• For Jains, it honors Lord Mahavira's attainment of Nirvana (spiritual liberation).
• Resolved Actions: The House of Representatives:
• Recognizes Diwali's historical and religious significance.
• Expresses respect for Indian-Americans and the global Indian diaspora during the festival.
• Acknowledges religious diversity in India, the U.S., and worldwide.
• Supports collaborative relations between the U.S. and India.

The resolution was introduced on October 21, 2025, by Rep. Krishnamoorthi and bipartisan co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional recognition rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Encourages cultural awareness and inclusion for Indian-American communities (estimated millions strong), potentially fostering greater public appreciation for religious festivals and diversity. No direct legal effects on individuals.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal operational impact; it may guide diplomatic or cultural outreach efforts by agencies like the State Department in promoting U.S.-India relations.
• On International Relations: Reinforces positive U.S.-India ties by acknowledging shared values of diversity and collaboration, which could support broader diplomatic goodwill without altering foreign policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Indian-American Communities: Primary beneficiaries, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others who celebrate Diwali, gaining official recognition of their cultural traditions.
• U.S. Congress and Policymakers: Bipartisan sponsors (e.g., Reps. Krishnamoorthi, Fitzpatrick, Jayapal) represent diverse districts, highlighting support from both parties.
• U.S.-India Relations: Governments and diasporas in both countries, as the resolution promotes mutual respect and collaboration.
• Religious and Cultural Organizations: Groups representing South Asian faiths in the U.S. may use this for advocacy on diversity issues.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: Aligns with the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom by affirming congressional support for diverse faiths without endorsing any religion. As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and does not need Senate or presidential approval.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity on cultural recognition, appealing to growing Indian-American voter bases in key states. It underscores the increasing influence of diaspora communities in U.S. politics, potentially setting a precedent for similar resolutions on other festivals to promote inclusivity. No controversial elements, as it focuses on positive, unifying themes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]

Cosponsors (34)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-10-21: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-21: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali. — issued 2025-10-21 — PDF (3 pages)