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HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 996 FILED ON: 1/14/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3326
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Rodney M. Elliott
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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:
The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
An Act designating Diwali Day as a state holiday.
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PETITION OF:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :DATE ADDED:Rodney M. Elliott16th Middlesex1/14/2025Estela A. Reyes4th Essex2/6/2025Natalie M. Higgins4th Worcester2/27/2025 1 of 1
HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 996 FILED ON: 1/14/2025
HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 3326
By Representative Elliott of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3326) of
Rodney M. Elliott, Estela A. Reyes and Natalie M. Higgins for legislation to designate Diwali as
a legal holiday in the Commonwealth. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)
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An Act designating Diwali Day as a state holiday.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 Chapter 6 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby
2amended by adding after Section 15ZZZZZZ, the following section:-
3 Section 15AAAAAAA. The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting aside
4the fifteenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as the official Diwali Day, establishing
5the day as a state holiday, recommending its observance by the people as a period of special
6attention in recognition of the Diwali celebration known as the “Festival of Lights”, a five day
7long festival where the third day is a day of thanksgiving and reflection celebrated worldwide
8and by millions of Americans.