Another US state passes bill to declare school holiday on Diwali

After the US state of Pennsylvania, New York City passed a bill to make Diwali a school holiday. The NY Senate and Assembly voted in favor of the bill last week. Now, Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the bill to make it a law, according to a report published by The Times Of India. 

This came after two consecutive failures in 2021 and 2022. The city also tried to pass the bill in the previous two years. 

“It has fulfilled the dream of the South Asian community,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar while passing the historic bill to mark Diwali as a public school holiday in New York. 

Diwali is also celebrated in Washington DC including the White House and the US Capitol, however, it has not been declared as a national holiday yet. 

Pennsylvania became the first US state which has officially recognized Diwali as a public holiday. 

State Senator Nikil Saval in April this year announced on Twitter that the Pennsylvania State Senate had passed a bill to recognize the festival of light, and expressed his gratitude to Greg Rothman for the opportunity to introduce the bill.

The legislation to recognize Diwali in Pennsylvania was passed unanimously by a 50-0 vote.

South Asian residents in Pennsylvania consider Diwali to be a time of reflection and gathering, and thousands of Pennsylvanians celebrate the festival each year, including many residents of the 34th Senatorial District.

The festival, which will be observed on November 12, 2023, is a time for reflection on the endless struggle of light over darkness, Greg Rothman noted. 

The passage of the bill is a significant step towards recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures of Pennsylvania. With the recognition of Diwali, Pennsylvanians who celebrate the festival will feel seen and welcomed in their state. It is an important message of inclusivity and acceptance for all members of the community.

This legislation is an important reminder that cultural diversity is a strength to be celebrated and that all members of the community should feel welcome and valued. It is a positive step towards building a more inclusive and accepting society and one that recognizes and celebrates the unique contributions of all its members.

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Updated: 19 Jun 2023, 08:00 AM IST

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