OLYMPIA – Legislation recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as non-legal holidays in Washington state passed the Washington State Senate on Tuesday. 

“Recognizing these important holidays is about belonging,” said Sen. Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 6044. “This bill is about acknowledging our state’s religious and cultural diversity and making sure our Indian American community feels seen, respected, and celebrated.” 

Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is celebrated by more than a billion people around the globe, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. The holiday marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, symbolized by the lighting of lamps and the renewal of faith and prosperity. Sikhs observe the same day as Bandi Chhor Divas, which commemorates liberation, reflecting values of courage, justice, and selfless leadership. Together, these observances highlight shared themes of renewal, compassion, and unity. The celebrations fall on the new moon day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, typically occurring between October and November each year.  

“I’m proud to be from a state that is home to people from different cultures, communities, and faiths,” said Sen. Vandana Slatter (D-Bellevue), co-sponsor of the bill. “Growing up, I never saw Diwali recognized on school calendars—not because it wasn’t considered meaningful, but because our institutions hadn’t yet reflected the Indian Americans who call this state home. Today, we helped change that. This bill doesn’t just add a holiday to the calendar. It recognizes Indian Americans and their traditions as part of our shared civic life.” 

Washington state recognizes other cultural and religious observances, including Lunar New Year, and most recently, the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These days of recognition are not paid holidays, but employees may use personal paid time off to observe them. 

Remarks from the Senate floor can be viewed and downloaded here. 

Follow the bill’s progress here. 

The Sikh Coalition visited the Washington State Capitol on Tuesday, Feb. 10 to advocate for SB 6044 and other legislative priorities. Photo credit: Washington State Legislative Support Services (or Washington State LSS)

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