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.

AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.

We value your feedback. Please fill out our two-minute survey by October 25.

Join us for a stimulating conference about issues that divide the Asian American communities. Our fundraiser Common Ground and the dinner after will be held October 26 at UC Berkeley.

Then purchase your tickets to Up Close with Connie Chung, America’s first Asian American to anchor a nightly network newscast. The in-depth conversation with Connie will be held November 14 at 7:30 at Columbia University’s Milbank Chapel in the Teacher’s College. All proceeds benefit AsAmNews.

Related