The Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously passed a bill that makes Diwali, the Festival of Lights, an official state holiday, reports Live Mint.
The measure passed 50 – 0 with State Senator Greg Rothman declaring the state “upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity.”
According to WION, some 200,000 Indian Americans live in Pennsylvania. This year Diwali will be celebrated on November 12. The day marks a day that light overcomes darkness and is celebrated worldwide by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.
“It’s a time for reflection on the endless struggle of light over darkness, offering us renewed clarity of purpose,” said Senator Nikil Saval who introduced the bipartisan measure with Rothman. “This festival deserves official recognition, and I’m honored to join Senator Rothman in bringing this to pass,”
The measure does not require businesses or governments to give the day off to its employees, nor does it mandate that schools close for the day, reported Times Now News.
Saval says Diwali is celebrated at temples, community centers and houses of worship.
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