Historic announcement for Diwali in New York City, such a decision taken for the first time

By News Update On Oct 30, 2024

New York : In a historic move in the US, New York City schools will remain closed on November 1 to observe the Hindu festival of Diwali. This is the first time that city schools have recognized this holiday. Deputy Commissioner of Mayor's Office, Dilip Chauhan has said that Diwali is special this year. For the first time in New York City history, schools will be closed on Friday, November 1 for the festival of Diwali. However, New York City has 1.1 million students attending school. In such a situation, it is not easy to declare a public holiday in schools.

Chauhan said that many community leaders had been demanding this for a long time. Finally, under the administration of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, they have announced. The administration has announced that now there will be school holiday on Friday, November 1.

#WATCH | New York | Deputy Commissioner, Mayors Office for International Affairs, New York City, Dilip Chauhan says, “This year Diwali is special. For the first time in the history of New York City, schools will be closed on Friday, November 1 for the festival of Diwali.” pic.twitter.com/RAubdIxK5F
— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2024

Apart from this, Chauhan said that the community leaders and officials here had been advocating for this for many years. Citing the demand of the people, he highlighted the importance of this decision. Said that it was quite difficult when students had to choose between school or their festivals. Diwali is not a one day celebration, it is a five day celebration. Sometimes they have to offer prayers on Diwali day. They have to go to the temple. Therefore now they had to choose between temple or school. But this year children will not be under pressure to open schools.

Chauhan said that since Diwali is now a recognized holiday, students no longer face this dilemma. Since October 31st is Halloween night, they will not have the pressure of going to school the next day. Chauhan thanked Mayor Eric Adams for declaring Diwali as a public holiday. Said that we are very proud that Mayor Eric Adams has announced this Diwali. So, we all are very grateful to him. Wish everyone a happy Diwali.

See this also… Diwali will be celebrated abroad too, America's World Trade Center drenched in colorful lights

In early June, New York City officially declared Diwali a public school holiday. Diwali is the festival of lights and one of the major events celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is now a public school holiday, giving New York City students a day to celebrate. Meanwhile, US First Lady Jill Biden and President Joe Biden hosted Diwali celebrations at the White House on October 28, inviting Indian-Americans from across the US to attend.

See this also… If you want to celebrate Diwali this time, then remember these eco-friendly ideas, you will have a lot of fun.

This was the couple's last Diwali celebration as President and First Lady. Over the years, Biden's Diwali celebrations have added a unique touch to this glittering tradition. The White House shared pictures from the Diwali celebrations on Instagram and wrote, “Happy Diwali from the White House! “Together, we can harness the power of light.”