HB219 • 2025

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIWALI DAY.

Energy

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Phillips
Last action: 2026-05-19
Official status: Passed 5/19/26
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify how Diwali Day should be commemorated, nor does it mention penalties for non-observance or provide funding and guidelines.

Designating Diwali Day

The bill makes the 15th day of Kartik, according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, an official 'Diwali Day' for commemoration in Delaware.

What This Bill Does

Adds a new section to Title 1 of the Delaware Code that designates Diwali Day as a ceremonial day.
Defines Diwali Day as the 15th day of Kartik, following the Hindu lunisolar calendar.

Who It Names or Affects

Delaware residents and government agencies

Terms To Know

Hindu lunisolar month: A calendar system used by Hindus that combines lunar months with solar years to determine important dates.
Diwali Day: The 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, designated as a ceremonial day for commemoration.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify how Diwali Day will be commemorated.
It is unclear if there are any penalties for not observing this day appropriately.
The bill does not provide funding or specific guidelines for the celebration.

Bill History

2026-05-19 Delaware General Assembly
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
2026-04-15 Delaware General Assembly
Reported Out of Committee (Elections & Government Affairs) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 3 On Its Merits
2026-03-26 Delaware General Assembly
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 ABSENT
2026-03-26 Delaware General Assembly
Assigned to Elections & Government Affairs Committee in Senate
2026-03-18 Delaware General Assembly
Reported Out of Committee (Administration) in House with 5 On Its Merits
2025-06-17 Delaware General Assembly
Introduced and Assigned to Administration Committee in House

Official Summary Text

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 1 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO DIWALI DAY.
This Act designates "Diwali Day" as a ceremonial day to be commemorated appropriately annually in Delaware.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Phillips & Rep. Kamela Smith & Rep. Griffith & Sen. Hansen & Sen. Lockman

Reps. Burns, K. Johnson, Osienski, Ross Levin, Harris, Neal, Shupe; 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.