List of U.S. States Recognizing Diwali as an Official Holiday

Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to declare Diwali an official public holiday under a bipartisan bill signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. As Diwali gains wider recognition, it is also celebrated in countries around the world such as Fiji, Singapore, and Trinidad and Tobago, celebrating the festival’s rich cultural and spiritual significance.

The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill declaring Diwali an official holiday in Pennsylvania on October 9, 2024. The bill has since been signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro, marking a major milestone in the holiday’s recognition in the state. The new law specifies that Diwali will be celebrated annually on the 15th of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, and the first official celebrations under the law will be held from October 31 to November 1, 2024.

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Pennsylvania is the only state in the United States to pass a resolution declaring Diwali a public holiday. This huge recognition was enacted through bipartisan legislation signed by Governor Josh Shapiro, making Pennsylvania the first state to celebrate the Festival of Lights in this way. The law designates Diwali as the fifteenth day of Kartik month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, with immediate effect.

In addition to Pennsylvania, New York City has also taken steps to recognize Diwali. In 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation making Diwali a school holiday for the city’s public schools so that students celebrating the holiday could do so without missing school.

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While these two states are pioneers in this regard, there has been constant lobbying for similar recognition of Diwali in other states and even at the federal level. Congress has even introduced a bill to designate Diwali as a federal holiday, further establishing its national status.

Other countries celebrate Diwali

Many countries around the world celebrate Diwali as an important festival and declare it as a public holiday. Here are the latest news about the Diwali holiday from some foreign countries:

• Fiji: Diwali has been a public holiday in Fiji since 1879. The festival is celebrated by communities across Fiji, not just Indo-Fijians; there are cultural programs and other celebrations throughout the country.
• Malaysia: This is one of the public holidays in Malaysia known as Diwali. Traditional rituals such as oil baths, visits to temples, houses and other public places are decorated with colours.
• Mauritius: Due to the large Hindu population in Mauritius, Diwali is a public holiday in Mauritius. The illuminated lights and decorated houses are part of the rich cultural heritage of this island.
• Nepal: Diwali is known as Tihar in Nepal. Although not declared a national holiday, the celebration lasts for five days as many rituals are performed to worship gods and animals.
• Sri Lanka: The Tamil-speaking community in Sri Lanka celebrates Diwali; it is a public holiday, although in some areas it is. This is almost an Indian event, just different from other rituals performed during community gatherings.
• Singapore: Diwali is also a public holiday in Singapore, and the Indian community celebrates the day with vibrant street decorations and various cultural events, especially in places like Little India.
• South Africa: Due to its importance among the Indian diaspora, plans have been made to officially declare it as a national holiday in South Africa. People usually celebrate this festival through various cultural activities.
• Trinidad and Tobago: Diwali is celebrated as a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago. People celebrate the festival with cultural performances and community gatherings.

Although celebrated with enthusiasm in many countries, efforts to bring the holiday into official recognition continue to grow, illustrating the importance of Diwali to Hindus around the world.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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