Bill > SB0017

This bill proposes to officially recognize Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the Festival of Lights, as a holiday in the state of Michigan. Specifically, the bill designates the new moon day in the eighth lunar month of the Indic pur?imanta lunisolar calendar as Diwali, acknowledging it as a significant cultural and religious celebration for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. By declaring this day a holiday, the bill aims to formally recognize the importance of this festival and its cultural significance to these communities. The lunisolar calendar referenced means the date of Diwali changes each year based on the cycles of both the moon and the sun, which is typical of many traditional calendars in South Asia. While the bill does not specify whether this will be an official state government holiday with time off work, it represents an important symbolic recognition of Diwali's cultural importance.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0017