New York City’s public schools will mark Diwali as an official holiday for the first time this year, with schools across the city closed on November 1, allowing over 1.1 million students to observe the Festival of Lights.
The move follows legislation signed last year by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, designating Diwali a 'school holiday'.
"This milestone celebrates our city’s diversity and the tireless efforts of our community and leaders," stated Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner of New York City’s Mayor’s Office for International Affairs.
"With 1.1 million students now able to observe this day, Diwali becomes a true symbol of unity—a celebration of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance,” he added.
Highlighting the significance of Diwali for New York’s diverse population, Chauhan remarked, “For the diaspora, this holiday holds deep meaning, bringing families, friends, and neighbours together in peace and joy, strengthening the bonds that make New York one of the world’s most inclusive cities.”
While introducing the holiday posed challenges in balancing instructional days, Chauhan noted that “thoughtful adjustments” were made to honour New York City’s commitment to inclusivity and respect for all communities.
To commemorate Diwali, community organisations across New York have launched special events, and the Empire State Building joined the celebrations,
lighting up in vibrant orange hues.
The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) New York-New Jersey-Connecticut-New England collaborated with Empire State Realty to illuminate the building in honour of the festival.
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