Diwali will be an official school holiday for New York schools

In a historic move, Diwali will be celebrated as an official school holiday in New York, allowing over 1.1 million students to witness the festival of lights.

Starting this year, Diwali has been declared a school holiday in New York public schools. Last year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill that made Diwali a school holiday for the city’s public schools.

Schools in New York will remain closed on November 1 for Diwali.

New York City Mayor Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs, said that celebrating Diwali for the first time in New York as an official school holiday is “a milestone that celebrates the diversity of our city and the tireless efforts of our community and leaders.”

“With 1.1 million students now able to celebrate this day, Diwali becomes a true symbol of unity – a festival of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance,” Chauhan told PTI.

For the diaspora, he said, the holiday has deep meaning, uniting families, friends and neighbors in peace and joy, strengthening the bonds that make New York one of the most inclusive cities in the world.

“Of course there were challenges, especially balancing the required training days. We had to make thoughtful changes to ensure all communities felt respected and supported,” he said.