February 17, 2023
A bill meant to recognize Utah's growing Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities and one of their most momentous holidays — Diwali — passed the state House Wednesday.
Lawmakers voted 71-1 to pass SB46, which would make Diwali a state commemorative day. However, lawmakers also voted to eliminate a portion of the bill that would have allowed fireworks during the celebration.
The five-day festival of Diwali, also known as Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil. It is based on the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik and typically falls during the last week of October or the first week of November.
Source: Utah House bill recognizes Diwali, but still no fireworks allowed