13 Million Americans Get a New Official Holiday

Diwali (‘row of lights’), a largely celebrated holiday that originated in India, has just been signed by Governor Josh Shapiro as an official holiday in Pennsylvania. Diwali is celebrated in Nepal, Malaysia, Fiji, Singapore, Mauritius, Goa, Myanmar, and much more. Diwali is normally celebrated over a 5-day period with lots of light, colors, and other festivities. The first day of Dhanteras is celebrated by buying silver and gold ornaments to represent prosperity in life. The second day is called Narak Chaturdashi and is celebrated by decorating your house and lighting diyas. On the third day, Diwali is celebrated with gift-giving, and being with your loved ones. Govardhan, on the fourth day, is celebrated by volunteers who are building a mountain symbol. The fifth and final day, Bhai Dooj, is then celebrated by sisters blessing their brothers by applying a tilak on their foreheads.