HB219 • 2025

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

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 bill has passed both chambers but is awaiting Governor action; no effective date is provided in the source material.

HB219: Designating Diwali Day in Delaware

This bill creates 'Diwali Day' as an official ceremonial day for the state of Delaware to be observed each year.

What This Bill Does

Designates the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as Diwali Day in Delaware.
Aligns the date with the official day recognized by the Indian government.
Amends Chapter 6, Title 1 of the Delaware Code to include this new designation.

Who It Names or Affects

The State of Delaware
Delawareans who celebrate Diwali

Terms To Know

Ceremonial Day: A day recognized by the state to be commemorated appropriately annually.
Hindu Lunisolar Month of Kartik: The specific month in the Hindu calendar used to determine when Diwali occurs each year, specifically on its 15th day.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not state if government offices or schools must close on this day.
An effective date has not been listed in the source material.

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, 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.