Pennsylvania Declares Diwali a National Holiday, Recognizing the Festival of Light and Connection

This move of Pennsylvania to Declares Diwali a National Holiday has welcomed by the state's South Asian community, which numbers around 200k people.

The United States of Pennsylvania has declared the Hindu festival of Diwali as a national holiday, following unanimous approval from the Senate. The decision was confirmed by Senator Nikil Saval in a tweet on Wednesday.

The festival of Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the world. It is a time for reflection, contemplation, and gathering, as families come together to light candles, decorate their homes, and exchange gifts.

Around 200k people of Pennsylvania agreed on the move to celebrate Diwali as National Holiday

In February of this year, state Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval introduced legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania. The move has been widely welcomed by the state’s South Asian community, which numbers around 200,000 people.

Senator Nikil Saval expressed his delight at the decision, saying, “To all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter.” He added, “This festival deserves official recognition, and I’m honoured to join Senator Rothman in bringing this to pass.”

Recognizing Diwali as a National Holiday, is a step towards the cultural diversity of state’s residents

State Senator Greg Rothman echoed this sentiment, stating that “Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.”

Diwali is celebrated on a different day each year, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, it falls on November 12. Senate Bill 402 does not mandate school or government shutdowns, but it does give public employees the option to take the day off to celebrate.

The decision by Pennsylvania to recognize Diwali as a national holiday is an important step towards recognizing the cultural diversity of the state’s residents. It is hoped that other states across the US will follow suit and give official recognition to this important festival.