HARRISBURG, Pa. (Diya TV) — Pennsylvania will officially declare Diwali, the festival of lights, a state holiday after the state General Assembly passed a bipartisan bill. Senate Bill 402, sponsored by Republican Senator Greg Rothman of Cumberland and co-sponsored by Democrat Senator Nikil Saval of Philadelphia, awaits the signature of Governor Josh Shapiro, who is likely to do so soon.
This new designation will not require school, government, or business closures but takes into account the cultural importance that Diwali has for thousands of Pennsylvanians who celebrate the festival every year. Diwali is a festival shared by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists around the world and symbolizes how good prevails over evil and light defeats darkness.
Senator Rothman emphasized the fact that Pennsylvania needs to celebrate its cultural diversity. “Diwali being an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” Rothman said, adding time for reflection and community gathering.
This is especially meaningful here in Pennsylvania, where the Asian American population is growing rapidly,” said Senator Saval. “This bill sends a clear message of inclusion. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues to acknowledge the deep cultural significance of Diwali.”.
This holiday really brings the people of the commonwealth closer together, makes it feel more inclusive, he said. State Representative Arvind Venkat of Allegheny County, whose companion bill passed in the Pennsylvania House last year, also backs the legislation. Venkat, the first Indian-American to be elected to the Pennsylvania House, spoke about the significance of Diwali for the growing South Asian community in the state.
Once passed, Pennsylvania will be on par with other states, New York and New Jersey among them, that have decided in recent years to declare Diwali a holiday.
