HB 219

                SPONSOR:
                Rep. Phillips & Rep. Kamela Smith & Rep. Griffith & Sen. Hansen & Sen. Lockman
                Reps. Burns, K. Johnson, Osienski, Ross Levin, Harris, Neal, Shupe, Lambert; Sens. Hoffner, Huxtable, Sokola, Townsend, Sturgeon, Brown, Buckson, Cruce, Hocker, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Paradee, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Poore, Richardson, Seigfried, Walsh, Wilson
        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
        153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
        HOUSE BILL NO. 219
        AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIWALI DAY.
        WHEREAS, known as the "Festival of Lights," approximately 1,000,000,000 people around the world celebrate Diwali as a day of thanksgiving and reflection; and
        WHEREAS, it originates from Indian culture and religion; and
        WHEREAS, millions of Americans celebrate Diwali each year; and
        WHEREAS, the festival lasts five days, with the third day marking the day celebrated as "Diwali"; and
        WHEREAS, Diwali falls on the 15th of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, which aligns with the new moon day of the first month of the lunar year; and
        WHEREAS, Diwali's celebration of light, reflection and gathering is celebrated by many Delawareans and the
        festival deserves official recognition.
        NOW, THEREFORE:
        BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
        Section 1. Amend Chapter 6, Title 1 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:
        § 610. Diwali Day
        In accordance with the official day recognized by the Indian government, the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik is designated "Diwali Day."
        SYNOPSIS
        This Act designates "Diwali Day" as a ceremonial day to be commemorated appropriately annually in Delaware.