Cultural Milestone: New York City Mayor Grants School Holiday for Diwali Festivities
New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared that Diwali, the festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness, will now be recognized as a school holiday. This decision follows the recent passage of a state law designating Diwali as an official holiday within the largest school system in the United States, aligning with the thousands of New Yorkers who joyfully celebrate this annual occasion.
Significant Win For Local Families: Mayor
Mayor Eric Adams hailed the decision as a remarkable victory for families in the local community. Taking to Twitter, he expressed his immense pride in joining forces with Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar and community leaders to advocate for Diwali's recognition as a school holiday. The Mayor's early greetings of "Shubh Diwali!" showcased his enthusiasm and commitment to celebrating this auspicious occasion.
Replacement Set: 'Brooklyn-Queens Day' Gives Way to New School Holiday on Calendar
Expressing confidence, Mayor Adams affirmed that Governor Kathy Hochul is likely to sign the bill into law. The final step before implementation entails the official endorsement by Governor Hochul, converting the new holiday into a legal provision. As a result, "Brooklyn-Queens Day" will be replaced on the school holiday calendar, paving the way for the upcoming celebration.
At City Hall, New York State Assembly member Jenifer Rajkumar shared her press conference experience with Mayor Eric Adams, expressing pride in spearheading and successfully achieving the campaign to establish Diwali as a recognized School Holiday. Their collaborative efforts yielded a momentous victory for the cause.
According to the New York Times, Mayor Adams emphasized that this significant moment served as a symbolic proclamation to individuals who may feel marginalized, reassuring them that they are an integral part of the city and not perceived as outsiders.
Inclusive Message: Mayor Affirms New York City's Welcoming Nature for All
Mayor Adams declared, "New York is a city for all, regardless of your origins," as he expressed that Diwali would now be recognized as a school holiday. This year, on Sunday, November 12, Diwali will be observed, granting students a day off from school for the first time in 2024. The New York Times reported that back in 2015, the city had announced the closure of schools to honor two significant Muslim holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.