Diwali recognized as an official state holiday in Pennsylvania

Celebrating the rich cultural heritage and many contributions of the Asian American community to Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed into law a bill officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday in the state.

Shapiro signed the bill on Oct 21 while attending a Diwali, Tihar, and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs in the atrium of the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg.

The bipartisan legislation marks a significant moment for the Commonwealth, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of its residents and the traditions of the over one billion Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide who celebrate Diwali, including hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“By signing this bill into law, we are not only recognizing the importance of Diwali but also celebrating the rich cultural heritage and many contributions of the Asian American community to Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said. “Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair – values that should help guide our Commonwealth.

READ: Indians celebrate Diwali at New York’s Times Square (October 22, 2024)

“Pennsylvania is stronger because of its diversity, and this new state holiday is a powerful reflection of the inclusion, respect, and unity that we cherish in this Commonwealth. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the traditions and cultures that make our state vibrant and dynamic.”

“For the first time ever, Diwali is now a state-recognized holiday here in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro posted on X. “No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love or who you pray to, you have a place here in PA — and as Hindu, Jain, and Sikh Pennsylvanians celebrate the Festival of Lights later this week, I hope everyone has a joyous Diwali and a prosperous new year.”

Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most significant festivals in South Asian culture. This year, Diwali will be celebrated from Oct 29 to Nov 3, with the main festival day falling on Oct 31.

Though officially designated as a state holiday, schools, government offices, and businesses are not required to close on Diwali. The recognition serves as an acknowledgment of the cultural significance of the festival and encourages all Pennsylvanians to embrace and celebrate the diverse traditions that make up the fabric of the state, the release stated.

READ: Diwali to become a school holiday in New York (June 27, 2023)

The law, which designates the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as “Diwali Day” annually, takes effect immediately, making Diwali 2024 the first official celebration under the new law.

“Diwali is the festival of lights. It is the most important festival for the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh community,” said Razin Karu, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs. “It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance, and of truth over falsehood. Many Pennsylvanians with roots in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh observe the festival of Diwali and more than one billion people around the world celebrate this holiday in South Asia and the diaspora around the world.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval, garnered broad bipartisan support in both the Senate and House. Indian American Representative Arvind Venkat championed companion legislation, House Bill 436, which passed in April 2023.

“Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” said Sen. Rothman.

“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,” said Sen. Saval.

“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.”

“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania. It 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 strengthens their connections with one another,” said Rep. Venkat. “This bill recognizes and honors our diversity in Pennsylvania and fosters a stronger sense of community and inclusivity throughout the commonwealth.”