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Senate committee hears bill to add Diwali, Eid, Vaisakhi and Vesak to Nevada observance calendar
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Summary
AB 82 would add four religious and cultural holidays — Diwali, Eid al‑Fitr, Vaisakhi and Vesak — to Nevada's official list of days of observance. Sponsors and community representatives told the Senate Committee on Government Affairs the change would increase visibility and inclusion; no vote was recorded.
Assemblymember Ruben Da Silva and cosponsor Assemblymember Hanadi Nadim told the Senate Committee on Government Affairs that AB 82 would add Diwali, Eid al‑Fitr, Vaisakhi and Vesak to Nevada’s list of recognized days of observance.
“The bill is testament to Nevada's commitment to inclusion and diversity,” Assemblymember Hanadi Nadim said, describing the measures as an opening “to greater interfaith dialogue and respect.” Da Silva told senators the holidays represent central observances for faith communities that are among the fastest growing in Nevada.
Community organizations and local officials provided support in both Carson City and Las Vegas. Jyoti Patel, president of the India Association of Northern Nevada, described Diwali as “the triumph of light over darkness” and noted the United Nations and some U.S. states already recognize the holiday. Rokai Youssefzai of the Islamic Association of Las Vegas urged passage of the bill and framed Eid al‑Fitr as a day of “community and unity” that includes acts of charity.
Why it matters: Supporters said the change would formally recognize the cultural and spiritual practices of Nevada’s Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Buddhist communities and increase visibility for those communities across state government calendars and proclamations.
Public testimony: Dozens of individuals and organizations registered or spoke in support. Speakers in Carson City included Jasmin Dersingh (Northern Nevada Society), Zach Bucher (City of North Las Vegas), Sheila Bray (University of Nevada, Reno), Jaswinder Dami, Nav Bajwa and local residents who said recognition would foster inclusion. In Las Vegas, representatives of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and other community members testified in support. Callers from across the state, including students, university faculty and community organizers, also voiced support by phone.
Committee action: The committee closed the hearing with expressions of appreciation for the bill’s sponsors and no recorded vote during the session.
Ending: Sponsors urged senators to consider the bill as part of Nevada’s evolving recognition of its increasingly diverse population and said they would be available for follow‑up as the bill advances.
