More than 150 people attend Diwali open house in McCandless

More than 150 people attended a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, at an open house Nov. 13 hosted by Rep. Arvind Venkat, D-McCandless, at his McCandless office.

Venkat was born in India and is Pennsylvania’s first state representative of Indian American background. He immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was an infant.

Diwali is observed by Hindus, but other Pennsylvanians off South Asian descent also observe the holiday, according to Pennsylvania House Democrats.

“Through this open house, my staff and I had the opportunity to connect with residents of the 30th Legislative District, inform them about the state services my district office provides, and discuss legislative issues in the community and our commonwealth,” Venkat said in a statement issued Nov. 13.

Venkat’s office also collected donations of nonperishable food for North Hills Community Outreach’s food pantry.

“By partnering with NHCO to collect donations of nonperishable food, we also helped members of our community in need of our assistance,” he said.

His office, located at 9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130, will accept donations until Dec. 15.

The 30th Legislative District includes McCandless, Franklin Park, and Hampton, plus Kilbuck and Ohio townships and the boroughs of Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights and Emsworth. Venkat, an emergency room physician, took office as state representative in January.

Venkat introduced a bill, which the state House passed 200-1 on April 26 to recognize Diwali. House Bill 436 would designate the 15th day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik as “Diwali Day” in Pennsylvania.

The measure is now being considered by the state Senate.