Diwali Becomes a School Holiday in NYC: Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity

Diwali, the festival of lights, is set to become a school holiday in New York City after the state legislature passed a bill last week. The bill received unanimous support from both the NY Senate and Assembly before their session concluded on June 10. It now awaits the anticipated signature of Governor Kathy Hochul to officially become law. This successful attempt follows previous unsuccessful efforts in 2021 and 2022.

Democrats, Jenifer Rajkumar, the driving force behind the bill, celebrated the fulfillment of the South Asian community’s dream. The designation of Diwali as a public school holiday in New York City marks a significant milestone after a relentless two-decade-long struggle. Diwali holds deep religious significance for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers.

Notably, Pennsylvania made history earlier this year by becoming the first US state to officially recognize Diwali as a public holiday in April 2023.

New York City Mayor Adams emphasized the long-overdue acknowledgment of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist students and communities. By designating Diwali as a school holiday, the city embraces inclusivity and loudly proclaims its commitment to recognizing and honoring diverse cultural traditions.