Diwali Is a New Official Pennsylvania State Holiday
The new designation doesn't require the closing of schools or government offices, but it does acknowledge the cultural significance of this five-day celebration that starts on Oct. 29 this year.
THE LIGHTING OF DIYAS, OR OIL LAMPS, IS A TRADITION DURING DIWALI, THE ‘FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS’ CELEBRATED IN SOUTH ASIAN CULTURE. | PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
Diwali, the five-day “Festival of Lights” that’s one the most significant festivals in South Asian culture, takes on new meaning in Pennsylvania when it kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 29.
That’s because Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro just signed a bipartisan bill making Diwali an official state holiday in the Keystone State. It took effect immediately on Oct. 21.
“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,” Shapiro said in a statement.
While the action doesn’t require schools, government offices or businesses in the state to close, it does serve as an acknowledgment of the cultural significance of the festival and encourages all Pennsylvanians to embrace and celebrate its diverse traditions.
“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, in a statement.
“It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, of good over evil, of knowledge over ignorance, and of truth over falsehood,” he said. “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.”
The festival’s main celebration takes place on the third day — Oct. 31 this year.
There are more than 600,000 Asian Americans and Indian Americans in Pennsylvania, with the largest clusters in Philadelphia and its suburbs and in the Allegheny County area (estimated to be 14,000 or more), according to the South Asian Impact Foundation. They’re also the fastest growing racial voting bloc in America.
The festival is marked by lighting diyas or oil lamps, wearing festive clothes, performing worship ceremonies honoring Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity and wealth), lighting fireworks and sharing in family feasts, where sweets and gifts are exchanged.
