Full list of USA states that recognise Diwali as a state holiday | World News – Times of India

Pennsylvania has now officially declared Diwali a recognised state holiday following the signing of bipartisan legislation by Governor Josh Shapiro. The law, effective immediately, designates Diwali as a holiday on the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The upcoming Diwali celebration, which spans October 31 to November 1, will be the first officially recognised observance under the new law.This milestone is significant in Pennsylvania, where Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities have long celebrated Diwali as an essential part of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Although the law does not mandate the closure of schools, government offices, or businesses, it serves as a strong acknowledgment of Diwali’s cultural significance. Governor Shapiro emphasised that this legislation embodies values that can help guide the state, such as inclusivity and respect. He encouraged all Pennsylvanians to join in the celebration, underscoring the festival’s theme of light triumphing over darkness. Shapiro highlighted that Diwali reflects core values of unity and diversity, which are integral to Pennsylvania’s identity.
A Growing Movement: Diwali’s Recognition in Other U.S. States
With Pennsylvania joining the list, several other states have also recognised Diwali in recent years:

These states have acknowledged Diwali’s cultural significance in various ways, particularly in areas with large South Asian communities. In New York and New Jersey, for instance, school districts with high concentrations of South Asian students observe Diwali as a school holiday, allowing families to fully participate in the celebrations. This trend towards official recognition represents a broader shift across the United States toward honouring the cultural observances of Asian American communities, strengthening America’s diversity.
Diwali’s official recognition in Pennsylvania and other states signifies the growing acknowledgment of Asian American communities’ contributions and the value of multicultural inclusivity. Advocates for broader recognition remain optimistic that Diwali might one day gain federal recognition, underscoring its importance for millions of people across the nation.
The Significance of Diwali: Symbols of Light, Knowledge, and Community
The core of Diwali lies in its universal messages, which resonate across cultures and belief systems. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. These themes are symbolised by lighting oil lamps, or diyas, in homes, temples, and public spaces, illuminating the way toward wisdom, peace, and positivity.
For Hindus, Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana to Ayodhya after a fourteen-year exile, as told in the Ramayana. In celebration of this victory of good over evil, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with lamps. For Sikhs, Diwali is significant as Bandi Chhor Diwas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 princes from imprisonment. Jains observe Diwali to mark the day when Lord Mahavira attained moksha or liberation, while Buddhists in the Newar community celebrate Diwali as a time of reflection and gratitude.
Diwali’s main day focuses on the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, during Lakshmi Puja. Homes are cleaned and decorated as an invitation for new beginnings, often with rangoli art made from coloured powders or flowers, symbolising joy and good fortune.
Diwali’s Growing Cultural Impact in the United States
As the United States becomes more culturally diverse, festivals like Diwali serve as reminders of the many threads that contribute to the American cultural fabric. The increasing state-level recognition of Diwali underscores not only its religious significance but also its role in fostering intercultural exchange. Many American cities, especially those with sizeable Asian American populations, now host Diwali celebrations, parades, and community events that are open to people from all backgrounds.
By recognising Diwali as a state holiday, Pennsylvania joins other states in honouring the contributions of Asian American communities and promoting values of inclusivity. Governor Shapiro remarked that Diwali’s recognition reflects Pennsylvania’s strength in diversity, a quality that enriches both the state and the broader American society. Through such initiatives, Diwali becomes a shared experience, fostering mutual respect and solidarity.
Diwali’s growing presence in the United States demonstrates the power of inclusivity and the importance of recognising the traditions of all Americans. As more states consider similar recognitions, Diwali continues to shine as a beacon of cultural respect and unity, lighting the way towards a future where diversity is celebrated and embraced.