Delnicki Advocates for State Diwali Recognition

HARTFORD- On Friday, State Rep. Tom Delnicki (R-14) testified in strong support of recognizing Diwali and its importance in our Connecticut state law at a public hearing in the Government Administration and Elections Committee.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1519, An Act Designating Various Days, Weeks and Months, section 135 would have the Governor shall proclaim the fifteenth day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year as Diwali, to celebrate this festival of lights. Suitable exercises may be held in the State Capitol and elsewhere as the Governor designates for the observance of the day.

Rep. Delnicki said, “As the State Representative for South Windsor, I am proud our town has a flourishing Indian American community and thoroughly believe our town’s cultural diversity makes us stronger.

Diwali is a celebration of festival of lights in either October or November annually. Last year it was held on October 24 and this calendar year it will be celebrated on October 20.

In South Windsor, Diwali is a holiday that is celebrated at all of our public schools. This is an annual celebration of the “triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and the blessings of victory, freedom, and enlightenment.”