This article appeared in IndiaWest on March 6, 2014.
A coalition of almost 40 New York City organizations and temples urged Mayor Bill de Blasio to include Diwali alongside the new proposed public school holidays for Eid and Lunar New Year.
The Diwali Coalition of New York City’s letter, sent to the mayor earlier last month, highlights the importance of Diwali for the city’s Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities and asked the mayor to take into consideration the significant number of the city’s public school children who celebrate this festival.
“Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in our community,” said Diwali Coalition of NYC member Dr. Uma Mysorekar, president of the Ganesh temple in Flushing, Queens.
“For Hindus, Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and is a time for families to come together to pray for the well-being of all. We hope the mayor will take our community’s request to heart and include Diwali among the new public school holidays.”
Congressman Joe Crowley, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, along with Representatives Charles Rangel, Grace Meng, Carolyn Maloney, Yvette Clarke and Gregory Meeks have also come out in support of the inclusion of Diwali.
In a letter to Carmen Farina, chancellor of education, spearheaded by Crowley, they noted the “increased recognition” Diwali has gained on the national stage.
Organizations forming the Diwali coalition range the full spectrum, from national groups such as the Hindu American Foundation and Sikh Coalition to local faith-based organizations like Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus and Judson Memorial Church to interfaith organizations such as the Interfaith Center of New York.
