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

The lawmakers representing New York City said they supported a potential move to recognize Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Lunar New Year as New York City public school holidays and urged the chancellor to include Diwali on the list.

For nearly a decade, Diwali has been gaining increased recognition throughout the U.S., they said.

"In fact, this year the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans celebrated the first-ever Congressional Diwali, and the White House has recognized the festival under successive administrations," the lawmakers noted.

In New York City, Diwali is celebrated by countless residents, including Hindus, Jains and Sikhs, they said.

"The majority of New York's Indian-Americans, which include not only those of direct South Asian origin but also those of Indian-Caribbean heritage, consider Diwali amongst their most significant holidays," the lawmakers wrote.

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