New York Declares Diwali A School Holiday

Mayor Eric Adams declared on Monday that Diwali is going to be a school holiday in New York City.

The announcement comes after state lawmakers recently designated it as a holiday in the nation’s largest school system.

Thousands of New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year to mark the triumph of light over darkness.

Mayor Eric Adams described the moment as a huge victory for the local families.

Mayor Eric Adams tweeted, “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!” through his official Twitter handle.

The mayor stated that he is confident that Governor Kathy Hochul will sign the bill.

Governor Kathy Hochul still needs to sign the bill into law. The new holiday will take the pace of ‘Brooklyn-Queens Day’ on the school calendar.

Jenifer Rajkumar, New York State Assemblymember tweeted, “My press conference with @NYCMayor today at City Hall. I was proud to lead and win the fight to make Diwali a School Holiday, alongside Mayor Eric Adams”, through her official Twitter handle.

Taking to Twitter, Hindu American Foundation tweeted, “Thank you and Shubh Diwali @NYCMayor! This is a win for New York City thanks to you and @JeniferRajkumar’s passionate advocacy, and we hope @SenatorSaval’s Diwali bill in PA and other nationwide efforts will see similar success. This is a historic day! 🎆🎇”.

Adams described the event as a symbolic proclamation to individuals who feel unwelcome that are part of this city and not considered an outsider.

Diwali will be celebrated this year on Sunday, November 12, 2023, and will be a school holiday in New York City for the first time.

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