Diwali: “Let’s follow the good example of the US”

FOR 25 years, Ram Maharaj, the president of the South African Hindi Dharma Sabha has been asking the South African government to declare Diwali a public holiday. But, he said, it was to no avail.

This week, he was inspired to write to President Cyril Ramaphosa after a bill to make Diwali a federal holiday was introduced by Grace Meng, a Democrat in the House of Representatives in the US.

“I have been sending requests since Nelson Mandela became president. We should follow the good example of the US,” said Maharaj. “To practically promote unity in diversity, inter-faith understanding, respect, harmonious co-existence, social cohesion and nation building, it is essential to include Diwali as a public holiday.

“Moral regeneration and good citizenship will be enhanced by the wider propagation of the Diwali theme regarding the triumph of the good forces of light over the evil forces of darkness.”

Maharaj said he hoped Ramaphosa would also introduce the tradition initiated by former US president, Barack Obama, who held Diwali celebrations at the White House and conveyed a nationally televised Diwali message.

“My Diwali Day Act is one step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day, and celebrating the full face of American diversity,” Meng said last Friday.

“Diwali is one of the most important days of the year for billions of people across the globe. America’s strength is derived from the diverse experiences, cultures and communities that make up this nation.”

The bill has been sponsored by 14 members of the House – 13 Democrats and a Republican. If the Diwali Day Act is adopted by Congress, it would become the 12th federal holiday and only the second religious holiday after Christmas.

The bill was introduced on May 15, and forwarded the same day to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, which will have to approve it for it to go before the House.

It will also have to be approved by the Senate before going to President Joe Biden for adoption as law.

The announcement was made as May, the Asian American Pacific Islander Month, was drawing to a close, with the endorsement of several Hindu, Sikh, Dalit Rights, Indo-Caribbean and panAsian community organisations.

Meng represents a constituency in New York with a large Asian population.

Gregg Orton, the Executive Director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, said: “The official recognition of Diwali allows for the acknowledgement and celebration of individuals in the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths. Our communities deserve to be seen and celebrated.”

According to the draft, the bill will have the House acknowledge that Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil and unfairness, and knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali will be celebrated on November 12.

Users on the Facebook page, POST newspaper, shared their views:

Melanie Pillay:

- For years Indians have been sidelined yet we contribute so much to this country. Yes, Diwali should be a public holiday as well as Ramadaan.

- Sumith Kunsraj: It’s a tricky one. Diwali is a religious day/auspicious day for Hindus. Based on that principle alone, you would have to allow public holidays for other faiths as well, that is for Ramadaan, and Judaism, Rosh Hashanah. Regardless, whether it’s a minority or not, aren’t we all equal in South Africa?

Peter Haripersad: As Diwali is a widely recognised festival around the world, it should be made a public holiday.