Bill to designate Diwali as an official PA holiday passes General Assembly

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 - Legislation that would make Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania passed the state General Assembly today.

Senate Bill 402 was introduced by state Sen. Greg Rothman, R-Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry, co-sponsored by Nikil Saval, D-Philadelphia, and would not require school, government, or employer closings.

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

"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," Saval added. "I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to put Pennsylvania at the forefront by acknowledging Diwali's deep cultural significance and inviting all people to reflect on the endless struggle of light over darkness."

State Rep. Arvind Venkat's companion legislation, House Bill 436, passed the PA House in April of last year.

"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 of multiple faiths to celebrate the bond that keeps them together and strengthen their connections with one another," Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. "This bill recognizes and honors our diversity in Pennsylvania and fosters a stronger sense of community and inclusivity throughout the Commonwealth."

Senate Bill 402 now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk to be signed into law.