In a historic move, Pennsylvania has become the first U.S. state to officially recognize Diwali as a public holiday, marking a significant milestone in acknowledging the cultural diversity within the United States. Governor Josh Shapiro signed a bipartisan bill, following the bill’s passage by the Pennsylvania Senate on October 9, 2024. The new law establishes the annual Diwali celebration from October 31 to November 1, 2024, on the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
This recognition of Diwali as a public holiday holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in the Pennsylvania State and across the U.S. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the arrival of hope, joy, and prosperity. With this initiative highlighting the state’s commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of diverse traditions, the execution of this legislation by Pennsylvania sets a precedent for several other states to follow through.
The importance of Diwali has also gained recognition beyond Pennsylvania. With New York City having taken steps in 2023 to make Diwali a school holiday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation declaring it a school holiday, ensuring that public school students in the city who observe Diwali can do so without missing school. This initiative underscores New York’s commitment to fostering cultural respect and accommodation for its residents.
The growing acknowledgement of this Hindu festival in the U.S. mirrors its recognition in other multicultural nations, such as Fiji, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Nepal, Malaysia, Mauritius, Trinidad, and Tobago. Additionally, advocacy for broader recognition at the federal level continues, with recent efforts pushing for a bill in Congress to make Diwali a federal holiday. Such legislative actions affirm Diwali’s significance within the global tapestry and emphasize the increasing awareness of cultural diversity in the U.S.
