Sen. Dhingra Wins Diwali Recognition for Washington State as Seattle Area Prepares for Holi Celebrations

The Indian American community centered in Redmond and the broader Eastside has emerged as a powerful voice in Washington state civic life this season, achieving two milestones that underscore the community's growing cultural and political influence. In Olympia, State Senator Manka Dhingra — who represents Redmond's 45th Legislative District — successfully championed legislation making Washington one of the latest states to formally recognize Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as non-legal holidays. The move places these cherished observances alongside Lunar New Year and other cultural holidays already on the state's calendar of recognized observances. Sen. Dhingra, one of the most prominent Indian American elected officials in the Pacific Northwest, framed the legislation as a matter of belonging — a statement that the state's institutions should reflect the diversity of the people who live within them. Meanwhile, the region's South Asian communities are preparing for a vibrant slate of Holi celebrations spanning multiple cities, with color festivals that bring together thousands of participants from across diverse backgrounds. From Redmond to Seattle, these events are growing in scale a

🗳️ Washington Senate Passes Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Recognition Bill, Championed by Redmond's Sen. Dhingra

The Washington State Senate passed Senate Bill 6044, formally recognizing Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas as non-legal holidays in the state — a significant civic milestone championed by Senator Manka Dhingra, the Redmond Democrat who represents the 45th Legislative District. Speaking on the bill's passage, Sen. Dhingra framed the legislation as a matter of belonging, stating that it is about acknowledging the state's religious and cultural diversity and making sure the Indian American community feels seen, respected, and celebrated. Co-sponsor Sen. Vandana Slatter of Bellevue noted that growing up she never saw Diwali recognized on school calendars, and that the legislation marks a meaningful shift in how Washington's institutions reflect their residents. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is observed by over a billion people globally — including Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains — and celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Sikhs mark the same day as Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating liberation and the values of courage and justice. Washington already recognizes Lunar New Year and the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The bill adds Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to this calendar, a symbolic but meaningful step for the state's growing South Asian population. [1]

🎉 Seattle Area Communities Gear Up for Holi Color Festivals, Welcoming Spring with South Asian Tradition

Communities across the Seattle area, including Redmond's substantial South Asian population, are preparing for a series of Holi color festival events celebrating the Hindu festival of colors and the arrival of spring. Northwest Asian Weekly reported that multiple events are scheduled across western Washington, including Festival of Color gatherings featuring music, dance, food, and family activities beginning in early March. Holi holds deep cultural and religious significance for South Asian communities — it marks the advent of spring and celebrates themes of love, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. The festival's signature tradition of throwing brightly colored powders has become a popular community spectacle that draws participants from well beyond the South Asian community, making Holi one of the most broadly cross-cultural celebrations on the regional calendar. For Redmond's Indian American families, many of whom work in the technology sector centered on the city's prominent employers, Holi provides an important occasion to maintain cultural connection and pass traditions to children growing up in the diaspora. The range of events across greater Seattle reflects the size and geographic spread of the region's South Asian population, one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest, and their continued investment in sustaining a living cultural presence. [2]

Sources: [1] Washington Senate Democrats (.gov) · [2] Northwest Asian Weekly