New York City has added Diwali, the festival of lights, to the list of public school holidays in recognition of the city’s South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities. Mayor Eric Adams announced the decision on Monday, stating that the city’s school calendar must reflect the new reality on the ground. The new holiday will become official if Gov. Kathy Hochul signs a bill passed by the New York state legislature earlier this month. Diwali is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, and more than 200,000 New York City residents celebrate it. The population of New York City residents categorized as Asian Indian by the Census Bureau has more than doubled in the last three decades, from 94,000 in 1990 to about 213,000 in the 2021 American Community Survey.
Mayor Adams pledged to make Diwali a school holiday when he ran for mayor in 2021, and he has kept his promise. (foxnews.com) He said, “This is a city that’s continuously changing, continuously welcoming communities from all over the world.” The addition of Diwali to the list of public school holidays is a significant step towards recognizing the cultural diversity of the city. The festival of lights is a time of joy, hope, and renewal, and it is celebrated by millions of people around the world. (foxnews.com)
The decision to add Diwali to the list of public school holidays is a testament to the growing influence of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities in New York City. These communities have contributed to the city’s cultural, economic, and social fabric, and their voices are being heard. The population of South Asians in the United States has grown rapidly in recent years, and they are now the second-largest Asian group in the country, after Chinese Americans. (foxnews.com)
The addition of Diwali to the list of public school holidays is a cause for celebration for many New Yorkers. It is a recognition of their heritage, their culture, and their identity. The festival of lights is a time of unity, harmony, and peace, and it brings people together from all walks of life. The decision to make Diwali a school holiday is a step towards building a more inclusive and diverse society, where everyone is valued and respected.
The push for official recognition of Diwali comes as South Asians have gained numbers and clout in New York and nationally. Rep. Grace Meng, a Democrat who represents parts of the New York City borough of Queens, introduced legislation last month to make Diwali a federal holiday. The addition of Diwali to the list of public school holidays in New York City is a positive development that reflects the changing demographics of the city and the country. It is a step towards a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.
