Earlier in February, New York City declared a Diwali holiday for school students.
Pennsylvania:
Senator Nikil Saval tweeted on Wednesday that the United States of Pennsylvania has declared the Hindu festival of Diwali a national holiday.
“The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday! To all Pennsylvanians celebrating this festival of light and connection: You’re seen, you’re welcome, you matter. Thank you, @ rothman_greg, for the opportunity to join you in introducing this bill,” Senator Nikil Saval wrote on Twitter.
As My Twin Tears reports, State Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval introduced legislation in February this year to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania.
My Twin Tears reports that approximately 200,000 South Asian residents live in Pennsylvania, 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.
“Every year, Diwali, a festival of light and connection, is celebrated in temples, houses of worship and community centers across our Commonwealth,” Sawal said.
“It is a time of reflection on the endless struggle of light over darkness, giving us new clarity of purpose. This festival deserves official recognition, and I am honored to join Senator
Rothman helped get it passed,” Saval said.
The day people celebrate Diwali varies from year to year, however this year it will be celebrated on 12 November. My Twin Tears pointed out that Senate Bill 402 does not require school or government closures.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and was auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)