New Delhi: The state of Pennsylvania in the United States has declared the Hindu festival of Diwali as a national holiday. The state House passed a bill recognising Diwali as an official holiday, senator Nikil Saval tweeted 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 tweeted.
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The legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday was introduced by two Pennsylvania senators, Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval in February of this year. Senator Rothman emphasized that recognising Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates the Commonwealth’s cultural diversity.
According to India American Impact, Pennsylvania is home to more than 600,000 Asian Americans, out of which Indian Americans make up the largest subgroup. Nearly 200,000 Indian American residents in the state celebrate Diwali every year. The bill does not require school or government closings.
