Cumberland Valley News

Legislation to make Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania has passed the state General Assembly. Senate Bill 402, introduced by State Senator Greg Rothman and co-sponsored by Nikil Saval, does not mandate school, government, or employer closures.

"Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, as a time of reflection and gathering," Rothman stated. "Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity."

Saval emphasized the importance of cultural recognition: "Wherever we’re from and whatever our background, all of us deserve to have our cultures recognized and honored. As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our Commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion."

A companion bill, House Bill 436 introduced by State Representative Arvind Venkat, was passed by the PA House last April. Venkat highlighted the significance of Diwali: "Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania, represents not only the celebration of the triumph of good over evil but also a sacred time for families...to celebrate the bond that keeps them together."

The bill now awaits Governor Josh Shapiro's signature to become law.