USA: Pennsylvania to mark Diwali with national holiday

Pennsylvania, US: The festival of lights – Diwali, one of the most joyful festivals celebrated in India, will now be celebrated in Pennsylvania province with a holiday. Senator Nikil Saval tweeted on Wednesday that Pennsylvania has proclaimed the Hindu celebration of Diwali a national holiday.

“Diwali was unanimously approved as an official holiday by the Senate! All Pennsylvanians who participate in this festival of light and connectivity should know that they are valued and that they matter. Thank you for letting me participate in proposing this measure with you, @rothman_greg,” tweeted Senator Nikil Saval.

In February of this year, according to My Twin Tiers, state senators Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval presented legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania.

Accordingly, Pennsylvania is home to close to 200,000 people of South Asian descent, many of whom celebrate Diwali as a time for contemplation and fellowship.

According to Rothman, “Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District,” he added, “Recognising Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.”

“In temples, places of worship, and community centres all over, the festival of light and connection – Diwali is observed each year,” said Saval.

“Reflecting on the never-ending victory of light over darkness might help us rediscover our purpose. The official acknowledgement of this celebration is warranted, and I’m honoured to accompany Senator. Rothman in making this happen,” Saval emphasised.

Diwali is not celebrated on the same day each year, and in 2023 it will be on November 12. According to the report by My Twin Tiers, Senate Bill 402 does not mandate that businesses or the government close.