The State of Connecticut has formally recognized Diwali, the vibrant Hindu festival of lights, as an official state holiday. This historic designation marks a significant milestone for the Indian-American community in the state, which has long hoped for broader recognition of its cultural and religious traditions.
The new law declaring Diwali a state holiday was met with unanimous approval from Connecticut’s legislature, signaling widespread support across political lines. Earlier this month, the bill was signed into law by the governor, cementing Diwali’s place in the state’s calendar of officially recognized holidays.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a religious celebration deeply rooted in Hinduism, but also observed by Buddhists and Sikhs. Among Hindus, it holds the status of the most important and widely celebrated holiday, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival typically spans five days, with the third day regarded as the most significant. This year, that pivotal day of celebration will occur on October 20.
The driving force behind Connecticut’s decision to officially recognize Diwali was Rajeev Pahuja, a passionate advocate from the Indian-American community. Pahuja not only drafted the legislation but also led the charge in lobbying lawmakers to pass the bill. He emphasized the broader impact this move would have for future generations of Indian-Americans living in the state.
“I wanted future generations to be valued and seen in the State of Connecticut,” Pahuja stated, pointing to the growing influence and size of the Indian community in the region. According to him, the formal recognition of Diwali is not the final goal, but rather a stepping stone toward making the festival a public holiday—one where both schools and businesses close to allow families the time to celebrate fully.
“A state holiday is the first step in the journey to making Diwali a public holiday in Connecticut,” Pahuja explained. His vision extends beyond symbolic acknowledgment and aims for practical inclusion, allowing Indian-American families the space and time to observe their cultural traditions without needing to take time off from work or school.
For Pahuja, the official recognition is a deeply personal victory as well as a collective triumph for the community. “It’s a wonderful feeling to be the second state,” he said, referencing New York, which was the first state to make Diwali an official holiday. “I think this is a huge milestone for the state of Connecticut.”
While Connecticut has now joined a growing list of places that officially recognize Diwali, some of its school districts were already ahead of the curve. Districts such as South Windsor and Avon had previously declared Diwali an official school holiday, giving students and families the day off to celebrate. These local decisions paved the way for broader state-level action and showcased how individual school boards can respond proactively to the needs of their communities.
The holiday is not only significant from a spiritual and religious standpoint but also from a cultural and social one. Indian-American businesses often see a surge in activity during the Diwali season. For example, Haveli India, a popular Indian restaurant located in Middletown, experiences a notable uptick in visitors and celebrations during the holiday. Krishna Pandey, the owner of the restaurant, compared Diwali’s importance to other major American holidays.
“It’s like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s all rolled into one,” Pandey said, illustrating the emotional and communal impact of the festival. The holiday serves as a time for reunion, reflection, and festivity, resonating with themes familiar to Americans regardless of cultural background.
Religious institutions also play a key role in Diwali observances across Connecticut. The Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple in Middletown, for instance, hosts elaborate celebrations every year to honor the occasion. Central to the festivities are prayers dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered in Hinduism as the deity of wealth and prosperity. Worshippers gather to offer prayers, share meals, and take part in traditional rituals such as lighting candles or diyas, which are small oil lamps typically made from clay.
The lighting of these lamps holds deep spiritual significance and is symbolic of the triumph of light over darkness. Pavan Panganamamula, who serves as president of the Connecticut Valley Hindu Temple Society, emphasized the deeper meaning behind this practice.
“Lighting of a lamp is considered to be a life,” said Panganamamula. “You light a lamp for long life rather than a shortness.” His words echo a central tenet of Diwali—that light brings hope, longevity, and clarity to the human experience.
As Diwali celebrations continue to gain momentum and recognition across the United States, Connecticut’s move is expected to inspire similar efforts in other states. The acknowledgment of Diwali not only validates the importance of cultural inclusion but also affirms the contributions of the Indian-American community to the social fabric of the state.
With October 20 approaching as the main day of Diwali celebrations this year, communities across Connecticut are preparing for a festival that now carries an extra layer of pride and legitimacy. Thanks to advocates like Rajeev Pahuja and supportive legislators, the holiday is no longer just a family tradition or local event—it is now a recognized part of Connecticut’s cultural and civic identity.
By enshrining Diwali as a state holiday, Connecticut is making a powerful statement about the value of cultural diversity and the importance of honoring the traditions of all its residents. As the flicker of clay lamps brightens homes and temples across the state this October, many will celebrate not just the holiday itself, but also the recognition, respect, and sense of belonging that now accompany it.