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What you need to know about Diwali, now a public school holiday in New York

What you need to know about Diwali, now a public school holiday in New York

For the first time, New York City public school students will have Friday off to celebrate Diwali, a holiday celebrated around the world by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

The new school holiday, which falls on November 1, comes after years of advocacy by South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities.

What is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the “Festival of Lights”, is a celebration of light over darkness. The holidays It originated in India more than 2,500 years ago and is marked by millions of people around the world, including the 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist residents of New York, according to Rep. Jenifer Rajkumar (D – Queens). Rajkumar, an Indian American, led legislative efforts to establish Diwali as a school holiday.

The celebrations last for days, but the main celebration this year takes place between October 31st and November 1st.

Why is Diwali a school holiday now?

New York City’s public schools recently added holidays like Lunar New Year, Eid and Juneteenth to reflect the city’s diversity.

After decades of lobbying, local communities in South Asia saw their efforts culminate last year when officials passed legislation adding Diwali to the school calendar.

Where to celebrate Diwali in New York

For those looking to join in the festivities, here are some ways to celebrate Diwali in NYC this week:

  • Bhakti Center’s Diwali Festival: Held Friday 5-9pm in the East Village: This free event features traditional Indian dance performances, food stalls with Indian street food, henna and face painting.
  • Diwali Dinner at Pier 57: Michelin-starred and James Beard award-winning chefs will present a multi-course menu inspired by Diwali. The event is already waitlisted, with tickets ranging from $175 to $235.
  • Seaport Museum Diwali Activities: From 11am to 6pm, Seaport Museum attendees can create marigold-inspired ‘baggywrinkle’ decorations and diya lamps to float in a special deck pool. A Diwali puppet story hour will be held from 4pm to 6pm and the museum will remain open an hour later to allow attendees to enjoy the glow of their lamps at sunset.

Dry conditions could be dangerous this year

Diwali celebrants – which typically call for prayer, feasting and displays, including fireworks – should be especially careful with dry conditions in the area.

New York and the surrounding region were in a continuous lockdown dry spell. Central Park, for example, experienced one of its longest stretches without measurable precipitation, barely ending after receiving 0.01 inches of rain on Wednesday.

But conditions in the city and especially in New Jersey remain dangerously dry, which could lead to the spread of wildfires.

A Diwali celebration with national significance

This year’s Diwali celebration comes just days before the presidential election, in which Kamala Harris, the first South Asian and Black vice president, could make history if elected the first woman president.

Harris, who is a Christian, has previously celebrated Diwali publicly by hosting a feast at her home while serving as Vice President in 2022. President Joe Biden also organized a large Diwali event at the White House that year.

On Monday, the White House hosted another Diwali event participated of more than 600 American Indians, although both Harris and Biden were absent because they were on the campaign trail.