The festival of lights aka Diwali is no more just associated with India anymore, the state of Pennsylvania, United States, has declared the Hindu festival a national holiday, Senator Nikil Saval tweeted on Wednesday.
"The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday! To all Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter. Thank you, @rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill," Senator Nikil Saval wrote on Twitter.
The legislation was introduced by State Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania in February this year, My Twin Tiers reported.
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 200,000 South Asian residents, many of whom participate in Diwali as a time of reflection and gathering. "Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District," Rothman said, adding, "Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth's rich cultural diversity."
"Every year, Diwali's festival of light and connection is celebrated at temples, houses of worship, and community centers across our Commonwealth," Saval was quoted as saying by My Twin Tiers.
"It's a time for reflection on the endless struggle of light over darkness, offering us renewed clarity of purpose. This festival deserves official recognition, and I'm honored to join Senator Rothman in bringing this to pass," Saval added.
The celebration of Diwali varies from year to year, and this year it will be observed on November 12. Senate Bill 402 does not require school or government closings, My Twin Tiers reported.
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