Diwali Is Now An Official Holiday In Pennsylvania; Schools & Government Offices Will Be Open

Diwali is arguably one of the biggest festivals that Indians everywhere celebrate. There is a sizable population of Indian people living in the United States of America or the US, especially in the state of Pennsylvania. Seeing how diverse the landscape of the state had become, the government of Pennsylvania has decided to officially recognise Diwali as a state holiday. This move is being taken in order to make the state more inclusive.

Diwali Is Now An Official Holiday In Pennsylvania

Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights in our country, will now officially be recognised as a holiday in the American state of Pennsylvania. The telos behind this move is to increase inclusivity in the community.

The senator of the county of Philadelphia, Nikil Saval, recently tweeted about this fortunate development. He, along with the state senator Greg Rothman, introduced the bill to make Diwali an official holiday in the region.

The legislation was passed in the Senate in the month of February this year. According to Saval’s tweet, the senate unanimously voted to make Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania yesterday. However, all the government offices and schools will remain functional.

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Move Undertaken To Encourage Inclusivity & Diversity

The move is being undertaken by the government to acknowledge, affirm, and encourage diversity in the state. According to many My Twin Tiers, there are approximately 200,000 people of South Asian descent living in the state.

Many of these people are Hindus who annually celebrate this festival of lights. It is known for its philosophy of light conquering darkness and holds immense significance for people who have left India. It is an important means through which they celebrate their cultural heritage.

Unlike festivals celebrated based on the Gregorian Calendar, Diwali does not fall on the same day every year. This year, it will be celebrated on the 12th of November. People who celebrate this festival worldwide look forward to the festivities. People dress up and go to meet their relatives while carrying gifts like dry fruits and mithai. 

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Do you know any Indians living in Pennsylvania who celebrate Diwali? How do they celebrate Diwali there? Let us know in the comments below!

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