Mayor Eric Adams called it a major win for local families. “I know it’s a bit early this year, but: Shubh Diwali,” he said.
Published Date – Tue, 23/27 at 10:25am
New York: Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday that Diwali, or Deepavali (Diwali), will become a school holiday in New York City.
Thousands of New Yorkers celebrate Diwali each year to commemorate the victory of light over darkness, and the news comes after state lawmakers recently enacted legislation designating Diwali as a holiday for the nation’s largest school system.
Mayor Eric Adams called the moment a major win for local families.
“I’m proud to be working with MP @JeniferRajkumar and community leaders to make Diwali a school holiday. I know it’s early this year, but: Shubh Diwali!” the mayor tweeted on Monday.
The mayor said he was “confident” Gov. Kathy Hochul would sign the bill.
The measure still needs to be signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The new holiday will replace “Brooklyn Queens Day” on the school holiday calendar.
Following the statement, New York State Assemblyman Jenifer Rajkumar tweeted: “I held a press conference with @NYCMayor at City Hall today. Proud to lead and win Diwali with Mayor Eric Adams to become a school The fight over the holidays.” According to the New York Times, Eric Adams said the moment was a symbolic declaration to those who felt unwelcome that “you are part of this city, not seen as an outsider.” “.
“We’re now saying New York is for everyone,” Adams said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from.” This year Diwali will be held on Sunday, November 12, so it will be the first holiday in 2024.
In 2015, the city announced it would close schools in honor of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two major Muslim holidays, The New York Times reported.
