A state legislator in Nevada is calling for the recognition of four Asian religious holidays in his state.
Assemblyperson Reuben D’Silva, an Indian American, wants his state to formally recognize Diwali, Eid-al-Fitr, Vaisakhi and Vesak, reports KOLO.
The days are celebrated by members of the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Buddhist faiths.
“This bill came from the community. It came from various town halls, various meetings we had. This was a priority,” said D’Silva in a statement to KTNV. “When we asked, ‘What does the community want to see from us,’ as representatives of the community who are now finally serving in these bodies, this was a major priority. Just recognize our religious holidays, which means a lot to members of the Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh communities.”
The bills would not mean people would get these holidays off. However, it’s a recognition that members of these communities are seen and recognized.
According to the Times of India, the bill has received significant support from the Hindu American Foundation.
Thank you for recognizing the aspirations of so many Nevadans!” the group said.
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