Pennsylvania has made Diwali an official state holiday.
According to NBC Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 402 into law on Monday. The law says that the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik will officially be “Diwali Day.”
Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights” is celebrated by people of multiple faiths (including Buddhists, Hindus, Jains and Sikhs) across the world.
The new Pennsylvania law will go into effect immediately in time for this year’s festival which begins on October 31, CBS Pittsburg reports.
“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,” Governor Shapiro said in a statement per NBC Philadelphia.
Although Diwali is now an official state holiday, schools, government offices and businesses will not be required to close.
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