Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402 into law, officially designating Diwali as a state holiday. The signing took place during a joint celebration of Diwali, Tihar, and Bandi Chhor Diwas, hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs at the Keystone Building in downtown Harrisburg, on October 22, 2024.
This bipartisan legislation represents a milestone for Pennsylvania, honoring the state’s cultural diversity and the traditions of more than one billion Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs worldwide who observe Diwali, including hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, according to a statement from the Governor’s office on October 22nd.
“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 Governor Shapiro in the statement. “Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair – values that should help guide our Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is stronger because of its diversity, and this new state holiday is a powerful reflection of the inclusion, respect, and unity that we cherish in this Commonwealth. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the traditions and cultures that make our state vibrant and dynamic.”
Diwali, referred to as the “Festival of Lights,” is one of the most important celebrations in South Asian culture. It represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Spanning five days, the festival’s main festivities take place on the third day, featuring family gatherings, the lighting of oil lamps, and fireworks. This year, Diwali will be observed from October 29 to November 3, with the main day of celebration on October 31.
“Diwali is the festival of lights. It is the most important festival for the Hindu, Jain, and Sikh community,” said Razin Karu, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian American & Pacific Islander Affairs. “It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance, and of truth over falsehood. Many Pennsylvanians with roots in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday in South Asia and the diaspora around the world. It’s a privilege to join Governor Shapiro as he signs this law to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania.”
The legislation, led by Senators Greg Rothman and Nikil Saval, received widespread bipartisan backing in both the Senate and the House. Representative Arvind Venkat supported the effort with a companion bill, House Bill 436, which was passed in April 2023.
“Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” said Senator Rothman. “I’m grateful for Governor Shapiro’s signature on this historic legislation.”
“Wherever we’re from and whatever our background, all of us deserve to have our cultures recognized and honored. As the number of Asian Americans grows steadily here in Pennsylvania and across the country, our Commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion,” said Senator Saval. “I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to put Pennsylvania at the forefront by acknowledging Diwali’s deep cultural significance and inviting all people to reflect on the endless struggle of light over darkness.”
“Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists worldwide, including hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania. It represents not only the celebration of the triumph of good over evil, but also a sacred time for families of multiple faiths to celebrate the bond that keeps them together and strengthens their connections with one another,” said Representative Venkat. “This bill recognizes and honors our diversity in Pennsylvania and fosters a stronger sense of community and inclusivity throughout the commonwealth.”
While Diwali is now an official state holiday in Pennsylvania, schools, government offices, and businesses are not required to close. The recognition highlights the cultural importance of the festival, encouraging residents to celebrate the state’s diverse traditions. The law, designating the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as “Diwali Day,” takes effect immediately, with Diwali 2024 marking the first official celebration under this new legislation.
