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Gov. Shapiro officially recognizes Diwali as state holiday in Pennsylvania
The signing took place during a celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs at the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg.
Office of the Governor / Image- X (@GovernorShapiro)
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402 into law, officially designating Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania on Oct. 21.
The signing took place during a celebration hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs at the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg.
The bipartisan legislation acknowledges the cultural diversity of the Commonwealth and the traditions of over one billion Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide, including hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who celebrate Diwali.
"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,” said Gov. Shapiro. He highlighted Diwali’s symbolism of the triumph of light over darkness and its alignment with the values of inclusion and unity cherished by the Commonwealth.
For the first time ever, Diwali is now a state-recognized holiday here in Pennsylvania.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) October 22, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/USaSYdl9yW
Diwali, known as the "Festival of Lights," is a major South Asian celebration that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It is observed with family gatherings, lighting lamps, and fireworks. This year, Diwali will be celebrated from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, with the main festival on Oct. 31.
Razin Karu, executive director of the Governor’s advisory commission, emphasized the festival’s importance to the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh communities, stating, “It’s a privilege to join Governor Shapiro as he signs this law to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania.”
Senators Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval, who sponsored the bill, expressed their gratitude for the broad support the legislation received. “Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” said Sen. Rothman. Sen. Saval added, “Our Commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion.”
Representative Arvind Venkat, who championed companion legislation in the House, noted that the bill "recognizes and honors our diversity in Pennsylvania and fosters a stronger sense of community and inclusivity."
While the new law does not require schools, government offices, or businesses to close on Diwali, it underscores the cultural significance of the festival. Diwali 2024 will be the first official celebration under the new law.
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