Make Diwali a Public School Holiday in New York
Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Cooney of Rochester has introduced a bill to make Diwali a public school holiday in New York. The bill, S9933, aims to amend subdivision 8 of section 3604 of the state’s education laws to add the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar to the list of school days off in honor of Diwali.
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is an ancient tradition that marks the end of the summer harvest in India and South Asia. It is observed by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains, among others. The five-day celebration commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the victory of the gods over the demons.
How is Diwali Celebrated?
During Diwali, people light oil lamps, set off fireworks, visit loved ones, share meals, clean their homes, and create art and music. The festival is a time to rejoice, and people from different faiths and cultures come together to celebrate.
New York’s Current School Holiday Schedule
The state’s current school holiday schedule already includes federal holidays, Saturdays, and the first day of the second lunar month after the winter solstice in the preceding calendar year, which is the Asian Lunar New Year.
The Case for Adding Diwali to the List
Cooney believes that making Diwali a public school holiday in New York will help Asian American and Pacific Islander families honor their culture more freely. With the Asian American and Pacific Islander community being the state’s fastest-growing demographic, Cooney’s proposal aims to promote cultural awareness and understanding.
Support for the Bill
The bill has received support from notable figures, including Democratic Rep. Zohran Mamdani of Queens, who co-sponsored a similar bill in the Assembly. Democratic U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, who represents Queens, has also expressed her support for making Diwali a federal holiday.
Conclusion
Making Diwali a public school holiday in New York would be a significant step towards promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity. It would give students an opportunity to learn about and celebrate this important festival, which is observed by over a billion people worldwide. With the support of lawmakers, community leaders, and public figures, there is hope that this bill will become a reality.
FAQs
Q: What is Diwali?
A: Diwali is an ancient festival that marks the end of the summer harvest in India and South Asia.
Q: Who celebrates Diwali?
A: Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and other people from various faiths and cultures celebrate Diwali.
Q: What are the observational patterns of Diwali?
A: The festival of lights lasts five days, with the first day falling on October 31 in 2024, then October 20 in 2025, and November in 2026.
Q: How many people celebrate Diwali?
A: Over a billion people worldwide celebrate Diwali, making it one of the most widely observed festivals.
