New Delhi: The United States of Pennsylvania declared the Hindu festival Diwali a national holiday. Senator Nikil Saval tweeted and confirmed the information on Wednesday.
Nikil wrote, “The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday! To all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter. Thank you, @rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill.”
Nikil added, “Every year, Diwali’s festival of light and connection is celebrated at temples, houses of worship, and community centres across our Commonwealth.” “It’s a time for reflection on the endless struggle of light over darkness, offering us renewed clarity of purpose. This festival deserves official recognition, and I’m honoured to join Senator
Rothman in bringing this to pass.”
The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday! To all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter. Thank you, @rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill. 🪔🪔 pic.twitter.com/CU6mDb7dYk
— Senator Nikil Saval (@SenatorSaval) April 26, 2023
In February of this year, state Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval introduced legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania. Nearly 200,000 South Asians live in Pennsylvania, and many of them celebrate Diwali as a time of contemplation and gathering.
State Senator Greg Rothman said, “Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District. 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, but this year it will be on November 12. Senate Bill 402 does not mandate school or government shutdowns.
