Diwali to become officially school holiday in New York

Diwali is set to become a school holiday in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday.

Every year, thousands of people there celebrate the festival to commemorate the victory of light over darkness. The announcement by Mayor Eric Adams came after state lawmakers recently enacted legislation designating it as a holiday in the biggest school system in the US.

Diwali, known as the festival of lights, happens October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.

Taking to Twitter Mayor Adams called the moment a significant win for the local families. “I’m so proud to have stood with Assemblymember @JeniferRajkumar and community leaders in the fight to make Diwali a school holiday. I know it’s a little early in the year, but: Shubh Diwali!.”

I’m so proud to have stood with Assemblymember @JeniferRajkumar and community leaders in the fight to make #Diwali a school holiday.

I know it’s a little early in the year, but: Shubh Diwali! pic.twitter.com/WD2dvTrpX3

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) June 26, 2023

The mayor said he was “confident” that Governor Kathy Hochul would sign the bill.

The measure still has to be inked into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new holiday will replace “Brooklyn-Queens Day” on the school holiday calendar.

Diwali will be observed this year on Sunday, November 12, therefore it will be a day off from school for the first time in 2024.

According to the New York Times, in 2015, the city announced it would close schools in honour of two major Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Also Read: US President Joe Biden Hosts Biggest-Ever Diwali Celebration At White House