NYC declares Diwali as a public school holiday: Will it impact school calendar? - SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City has officially declared Diwali as a public school holiday, Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday.

Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major events celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It has been on track to become a public school holiday, giving students in New York City the day off to celebrate.

“This is a victory, not only for the men and women of the Indian community and all communities that celebrate Diwali, but it’s a victory for New York,” said Adams.

Earlier this month, New York State lawmakers passed a bill that would make Diwali a public school holiday after it was approved in both the state Assembly and Senate. The bill was introduced by Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who represents South Queens. It relies on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law — though Adams said he feels “confident” that Hochul will do so.

Upon its signage into law, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) will designate the Diwali school holiday. It would mean thousands of students, parents and faculty wouldn’t have to choose between observing Diwali or missing school or work.

However, New York City cannot add another school holiday to the current calendar unless it removes another day off. This is because New York State education law mandates there be a minimum of 180 days of school instruction. The legislation, Rajkumar said, would remove Anniversary Day, also known as Brooklyn-Queens Day, which originated as a Protestant holiday celebrated in the 1800s.

If the legislation is signed into law, it will take effect on July 1.

“Many of us here have seen him [Adams] deep in the ethnic neighborhoods of our city at all hours of the day and night, connecting with immigrant communities,” said Rajkumar. “On behalf of every South Asian and immigrant family like mine across the city, thank you, Mayor Adams. Our entire community comes together with gratitude for your leadership. And look where we are today.”

Diwali is observed in October or November as designated by the Indian calendar. This year, it will be celebrated starting on Nov. 12 — with celebrations held over the course of five days.

But it likely won’t affect the 2023-2024 public school calendar for New York City — Diwali falls on a Sunday this year.

New York City public school students will be able to get time off to celebrate in the years after.

In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 1, and in 2025, on Oct. 20. The New York City public school calendars provide time off for Diwali for both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

RELATED STORIES:

Diwali on track to be NYC public school holiday. Here’s what we know so far.

New York State lawmakers pass bill to make Diwali a public school holiday

NYC working to make Diwali a public school holiday by 2023

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