Support grows for Diwali to be recognized as a school holiday in New York and U.S.

Efforts to gain recognition for Diwali as a holiday in New York state and at the federal level have gained momentum recently. Many Indian Americans in New York have long awaited this change, as it would have an impact on school calendars every autumn.

New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced on Thursday that the assembly intends to pass a bill designating Diwali as a state holiday. Diwali, also known as the “festival of lights,” is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists as a celebration of light triumphing over darkness and good prevailing over evil.

Heastie expressed confidence that the bill will be passed before the legislative session ends on June 8. The legislation would also establish Lunar New Year as a holiday. (Lunar New Year is already recognized by New York City schools, although it was not officially observed this year as it fell on a weekend. The education department excused absences for students who celebrated the holiday on the following Monday, according to NY1.)

Diwali does not have a fixed date each year but is determined by the lunar calendar, typically falling in October or November. (This year, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 12.)

In a tweet, Heastie, a Democrat representing the Bronx, emphasized the importance of acknowledging and honoring New York’s diverse and culturally rich community.

Additionally, U.S. Representative Grace Meng, a Democrat representing Queens, introduced a bill on Friday that aims to establish Diwali as the 12th federal holiday in the United States. Many local officials, including New York City Council member Shekar Krishnan, the council’s first Indian American legislator, and schools Chancellor David Banks, joined Meng in supporting this legislation, referring to it as a “righteous fight.”

Banks emphasized during Meng’s press conference that recognizing and valuing the heritage of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist community members is essential, and action is needed rather than mere words and lip service, given the diversity that strengthens both the city and the country.