Diwali has been observed by public schools in New York City since 2023, but November 1st will be the first time students have a day off for the holiday since it falls on a school day.
According to PBS News, Hindu stories of Diwali include the return of the God Rama from 14 years of exile and the defeat of the demon Naraka by the God Krishna.
Other religious groups that celebrate Diwali are Jains, who observe the day Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, or supreme preachers, reached enlightenment, and Sikhs, who honor the anniversary of Guru Hargobind, the sixth guru, being released from prison.
Google Arts & Culture states that several ways Diwali is celebrated include firework shows, feasts, visits to relatives, gift giving, and lamp lighting.
Diwali originated in India, but according to De Anza College, other countries around the world that observe it include Malaysia, Guyana, Thailand, Fiji, Mauritius, and the United Kingdom.
WJPS seventh grader Kai Williams said, “We light candles in our house and on the steps, and we celebrate by having our elders or grandparents teach us about the gods of India.”
WJPS ninth grader Christian McKissick said, “I think we should do a vote on holidays that people might not know about to see if we should have a school day or not.”
“Diwali candles” by San Sharma is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
