Earlier, in 2015, the city announced the closure of schools in observance of two significant Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
According to the New York Times, in 2015, the city announced the closure of schools in observance of two significant Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Diwali, the festival of lights, is poised to be designated as a school holiday in New York City, as announced by Mayor Eric Adams on Monday.
Each year, thousands of New Yorkers celebrate Diwali, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. This recent development follows the enactment of legislation by state lawmakers, officially recognising Diwali as a holiday within the largest school system in the United States. Mayor Eric Adams hailed this momentous decision as a significant victory for local families.
“I take immense pride in having supported Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and community leaders in the campaign to establish Diwali as a school holiday. Though it may be early in the year, I extend my warm wishes for a joyous Diwali!” the Mayor expressed on Twitter.
The Mayor expressed confidence that Governor Kathy Hochul would sign the bill, although it still needs to be formally ratified into law. This new holiday will replace “Brooklyn-Queens Day” on the school holiday calendar.
Following the announcement, Jenifer Rajkumar, a New York State Assembly member, tweeted, “Today’s press conference at City Hall with Mayor Eric Adams. I am proud to have led and triumphed in the endeavor to make Diwali a School Holiday, alongside Mayor Eric Adams.”
The New York Times reported that Mayor Adams described this moment as a symbolic declaration to those who may feel excluded, assuring them that they are integral members of the city, not outsiders. “We are now declaring that New York is a city for everyone, regardless of their origins,” Adams stated.
This year, Diwali will be observed on Sunday, November 12, making it the first time that schools will have a day off to celebrate the festival in 2024.
According to a media house, in 2015, the city announced the closure of schools in observance of two significant Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
