Our Bureau
New York
In a historic move, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation making Diwali a school holiday for New York City public schools.
“New York City is rich in different religions and cultures, and we’re taking an important step to recognize and celebrate this diversity in the school calendar,” Hochul said.
The legislation requires that all public schools in New York City be closed on the “15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar in each year, which is known as Diwali,” a press release issued by Hochul’s office said.
Hochul said that the legislation to designate Diwali as a New York City school holiday is “an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world.”
The move took place after the New York State legislature passed a Bill this June, to make Diwali a school holiday in the city with efforts from NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Indian-origin Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar.
Rajkumar said that for over two decades, the South Asian community has lobbied for the Diwali holiday. Two earlier attempts to pass the legislation in 2021 and 2022 did not succeed. AIA has been a pioneering organization to host Diwali in New york for about 4 decades at South Street Seaport with famous fireworks on Hudson; Neeta Bhasin, President and CEO of Event Guru and ASB Communications, who has done extraordinary work to build Diwali celebration in last decade at Times Square; Ranju Batra who was instrumental in bringing out the Diwali stamp with unprecedented help from congresswoman Miss Carolyn Maloney; Sheetal Desai, Harish Thakkar along with Brooklyn Borough, New York City Hall, and the Consulate General of India provided their relentless support to make Diwali a holiday in public schools in New York.
“Many people of the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths in New York City and throughout the state observe the festival of Diwali and more than 1 billion people around the world celebrate this holiday,” the release added.
According to city officials, more than two lakh New York residents celebrate Diwali.
