13 Million Pennsylvanians to Celebrate Diwali as a New State Holiday!

Great news for the people of Pennsylvania! Nearly 13 million residents will have an exciting new holiday to celebrate, as Governor Josh Shapiro has officially signed a bill recognizing Diwali as a state holiday.

What is Diwali? Diwali, often called the "Festival of Lights," is one of the most important festivals in Indian culture. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The main day of Diwali falls during a five-day celebration, which this year will be from October 29 to November 3, with the biggest celebrations happening on October 31.

About the New Law The new law, known as Senate Bill 402, was introduced by Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval. It officially makes Diwali a state holiday, though schools, government offices, and businesses are not required to close.

Governor Shapiro’s Thoughts Governor Shapiro expressed his pride in signing the bill, saying, "By recognizing Diwali, we are celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of the Asian American community in Pennsylvania. Diwali is all about light conquering darkness, knowledge defeating ignorance, and hope overcoming despair—values that should inspire us all."

He also emphasized that this new state holiday shows Pennsylvania’s commitment to inclusivity, respect, and unity. “Today, we honor the traditions and cultures that make our state such a vibrant and dynamic place.”

More Voices of Support Senator Rothman said, "Recognizing Diwali as a state holiday celebrates the cultural diversity of our Commonwealth." Senator Saval added, "As the number of Asian Americans grows in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., officially recognizing Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion."

Other States Recognizing Diwali Pennsylvania joins several other states in officially recognizing Diwali, including:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Texas

Sources: Internet Sources & Twitter X 

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