In a win for the Indian American community in the US State of Pennsylvania, the state House and Senate on April 26, 2023, passed legislations that seek to make the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, an official holiday in the state.
Senate Bill 402 sponsored by Senator Greg Rothman (R-34) and Indian American Senator Nikil Saval (D-1) was passed unamoiusly in the Senate while House Bill 436 sponsored by state Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny) was passed 200-1 by the House.
Both legislations intend to bring official recognition to the festival by designating the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as a state holiday. They do not require school or government closings. The Senate bill has been passed to the House and vice versa for consideration.
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. 🪔🪔 pic.twitter.com/CU6mDb7dYk
— Senator Nikil Saval (@SenatorSaval) April 26, 2023
“Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity,” Rothman said emphasizing that thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District.
“Our Commonwealth’s official recognition of Diwali sends a clear message of inclusion to the thousands of Pennsylvanians who celebrate this festival of light and connection each year: you are seen, you are welcome, you matter,” Saval said.
Truly humbled to have been the prime sponsor in the House for legislation recognizing Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in our state. I am privileged to represent the communities of the 30th District and to simultaneously be a voice for the South Asian community in Pennsylvania. pic.twitter.com/kXmqAsb26A
— Rep. Arvind Venkat (@RepVenkat) April 27, 2023
Venkat, the first Pennsylvania state representative of Indian American background lauded the House for passing his legislation and urged the senate to do the same. "This legislation is important in that it reflects the increased diversity of Pennsylvania. Our state holidays should reflect the vibrancy of the many cultures that call this state home, and this bill is getting us closer to that goal,” he added.
