Diwali Declared As National Holiday In The US State Of Pennsylvania

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Diwali is considered as the 'festival of lights' and is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. The celebration goes on for five days and the important rituals associated with the festival begin from the third day of the festival.

Be it cleaning and decorating the home, lighting diyas, making rangolis, preparing delicious food, or exchanging gifts, everything is done with extra love and enthusiasm. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 12 November 2023 and the Lakshmi Puja Muhurat will be from 06:11 pm to 08:15 pm.

In the Hindu epic Ramayana, it is described as the day when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in the forest. There is another belief that says, Goddess Lakshmi was born on this day during the churning of the cosmic ocean, which is known as Samudra Manthan. Therefore, this deity is worshipped on this day.

So, how is Diwali significant for people in Pennsylvania?

About 2,00,000 South Asian residents reside in Pennsylvania and the majority of them participate in Diwali and see it as a time for reflection and gathering.

Well, this year, citizens in this US State have one more reason to be happy as the State Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Nikil Saval introduced legislation to make Diwali an official state holiday in Pennsylvania in February.

"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," Senator Nikil Saval wrote on Twitter.

"Thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate Diwali each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District," said Rothman and added that "Recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth's rich cultural diversity," mentions a report by My Twin Tiers.

Speaking on the same lines, Saval mentioned, "Every year, Diwali's festival of light and connection is celebrated at temples, houses of worship, and community centers across our Commonwealth."

He also emphasized on the fact that Diwali is the time when one should reflect on themselves and understand the struggle of light over darkness so that there is clarity of purpose in everyone's life. Further, he mentioned that this festival deserved to be officially recognized and that he is honoured to join Senator Rothman in bringing this to pass. However, the Senate Bill 402 does not require school or government closings.