Diwali gains official recognition in U.S. with new holidays in New York and Pennsylvania

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in the U.S. on October 31 this year. The holiday, observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is marked by food, prayers, and fireworks. New York City public schools will observe Diwali as a holiday for the first time on November 1, following legislation signed in June 2023. Pennsylvania has also declared Diwali an official public holiday, starting this year. Texas has made Diwali a fireworks-eligible holiday, allowing sales five days before the festival. New Jersey hosts large Diwali celebrations but has not yet recognized it as a public holiday. These developments reflect growing recognition of Diwali in the U.S.