U.S. Lawmakers Want Diwali Holiday in New York Schools

WASHINGTON: Noting that Diwali has been gaining increasing recognition in the U.S., six U.S. lawmakers have urged New York City's education department to include the Indian festival of lights among new public school holidays.

The plea was made in a letter by Joe Crowley, Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, along with House members Charles B. Rangel, Grace Meng, Gregory W.

"We appreciate your consideration of school holidays that reflect our diverse city and ensure that students aren't forced to choose between attending school and observing important holidays with their families," wrote the lawmakers in the letter to schools to schools chancellor Carmen Farina.

Diwali is a festival of great significance to millions of Indians and Indian Americans and is widely celebrated amongst the three million-plus Indian-American community, as well as others, noted a media release from Crowley's office.

Crowley, who represents Queens, an area with a large concentration of Indians, in the House of Representatives led his colleagues in creating the first-ever Congressional celebration in October 2013.

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