New York City Schools To Close For Diwali For The First Time In History, Says US Official

In a groundbreaking decision, schools across New York City will remain shut on November 1 in celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. This is the first instance where the schools of New York City have officially recognized the said festival.

New York City Schools To Close For Diwali For The First Time In History, Says US Official

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This year, celebrations of Diwali create a unique impact. Schools in New York City will be closed on Friday, November 1, 2019, for the observance of the Diwali festival for the very first time, said Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs.

"It's not easy in New York City, where 1.1 million students are studying in the school, to declare the school a public holiday," said Chauhan. "So many community leaders--they started this movement many years ago--community advocates, elected officials. But finally, under the administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, they have declared, The administration has declared, November 1st, Friday is a school holiday."

Moreover, Chauhan gave praise to this particular choice of decision, supporting it with years of work by community and other administration members. When the student is asked whether he or she would want to go to school or take part in the Diwali celebrations, the answer is that Diwali is not celebrated for a day only. It is a celebration that stretches for five days. Sometimes they have to do the puja on the actual day of Diwali. They also have to go to their respective temples so they either choose the temple or the school at that time. This year, they are not in any hurry, and they are not under such pressure.

Following the decision to recognize Diwali as a public holiday, children are no longer faced with this challenge. They have no pressure to attend school the next day after Halloween night which is the day that comes after the 31st of October, Chauhan added.

Chauhan thanked Mayor Eric Adams, as Diwali was given status as a public holiday. We are filled with pride and joy, plus, Mayor Eric Adams has made this Diwali. Therefore, we all pray him. Diwali greetings to all, Chauhan added.

Back in June, the city of New York announced Diwali to be observed as a public school holiday for all. Diwali is a festival celebrated as the festival of lights and is one of the festive occasions marked by the worshippers of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. In addition, it is a public school holiday now for students in New York and they will not be going to school in order to celebrate.

At the same time, the First Lady of the United States Jill Biden with the husband President Joe Biden organized the celebration of Diwali at the White House on October 28 where they invited Indian Americans from various states of the country.

It was the last Diwali celebration for the couple as President and First Lady. Over the years the Bidens' added their own flavor to this bright tradition during that Diwali celebration.

White House shared the pictures of the Diwali celebrations on X and wrote, "Happy Diwali from the White House! Together, may we show the power in the gathering of light."