Senator Nikil Saval of Pennsylvania announced on Wednesday that the Hindu festival of Diwali has been named a national holiday in the United States.
“The Senate unanimously voted to make Diwali an official holiday!” You are seen, you are invited, and you matter to all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and togetherness. Senator Nikil Saval tweeted, “Thank you, @rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill.”
In February of this year, state Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval presented legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania, according to My Twin Tiers.
According to My Twin Tiers, Pennsylvania has about 200,000 South Asian citizens, many of whom celebrate Diwali as a time of contemplation and fellowship.
“Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District,” Rothman stated, adding that “recognising Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.”
“It’s a time for reflection on the never-ending struggle of light over darkness, which provides us with renewed clarity of purpose.” This event merits formal recognition, and I am honoured to be a part of it.
Diwali is celebrated on a different day each year, but this year it will be on November 12. According to My Twin Tiers, Senate Bill 402 does not mandate school or government closures.
