Pennsylvania Has a New Holiday

The votes are in, and Pennsylvania officially has a new holiday.

Senator Nikil Saval shared the news via Twitter this week, adding that the vote was unanimous.

According to Saval, the Hindu festival of Diwali will now be an official state holiday. In his social media post, Saval has also thanked Senator Greg Rothman for introducing the bill. "The Senate voted unanimously to recognize Diwali as an official holiday!" he tweeted. "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 Greg Rothman also tweeted out and thanked Saval for agreeing to co-sponsor the piece of legislation. "My legislation to recognize Diwali in Pennsylvania just passed the PA Senate 50-0," he said. "Today's vote upholds and celebrates our Commonwealth's rich cultural diversity. Thank you @SenatorSaval for agreeing to cosponsor this piece of legislation."

According to India American Impact, Pennsylvania has more than 600,000 Asian Americans, and in that group, Indian Americans are the biggest subgroup. Moreover, about 200,000 Indian American residents in the Keystone State celebrate Diwali every year. For 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on November 12. It's worth noting that the bill does not require school or government closings.