Venkat to host community Diwali celebration on Nov. 2
Rep. Arvind Venkat October 27, 2025 | 9:04 AM
SEWICKLEY, Oct. 27 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, will host a community celebration for Diwali from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2 at the Baierl Family YMCA, 2565 Nicholson Road in Sewickley.
“As a member of the Hindu community and the first Indian American elected to the state House, I am honored to celebrate and support our region’s vibrant South Asian community,” said Venkat. “This event helps to recognize and foster the diverse culture and communities that have made a tremendous impact on our Commonwealth.”
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by over a billion Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the world, and marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, while also bringing family together for celebration and connection. The main day of the festivities falls on Oct. 20 this year.
Venkat championed the effort to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday in Pennsylvania. His bipartisan legislation to do that, H.B. 436, passed the state House in April 2023. Companion legislation, S.B. 402, was ultimately passed and signed into law as Act No. 112 of 2024.
Attendees are requested to RSVP, which can be done on Venkat’s website. Dry food donations will be collected at the event for North Hill Community Outreach.
This marks Venkat’s third annual community celebration of Diwali, which he has done every year since taking office in 2023.