Rochester senator proposes Diwali as a public school holiday

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Cooney of Rochester wants to make Diwali a public school holiday in New York. His bill, S9933, would amend subdivision 8 of section 3604 of the state's education laws, adding the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar to the list of school days off in honor of Diwali.

That list already covers federal holidays (except Election Day and Lincoln and Washington's birthdays), Saturdays (except for driver's ed), and the first day of the second lunar month after the winter solstice in the preceding calendar year—Asian Lunar New Year.

Diwali, an ancient tradition that ends the summer harvest in India and South Asia, aligns with the lunar calendar. Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains light oil lamps, set off fireworks, visit loved ones, share meals, clean house, and create art and music. The festival of lights lasts five days, starting October 31 in 2024. But in 2025, it starts on October 20, and then not until November in 2026.

Across the world, over a billion people from various faiths observe the holiday with different variations, all celebrating light defeating darkness and good winning over evil. They commemorate the new year; the time when Kali, Krishna, Rama, or Vishnu felled a demon; the enlightenment of Mahavira; Lakshmi's birthday; the release from captivity of Hargobind; and the conversion of Ashoka.

Cooney announced his legislation while hosting a free, public Diwali party in Rochester on Friday, October 25. He said that his proposal would let Asian American and Pacific Islander families honor their culture more freely, noting that their community represents the state's fastest-growing demographic.

"This year’s celebration has special meaning," said Cooney, one of the first Asian Americans elected to state office. Born in Kolkata, India, he said the bill would help in "educating our fellow community members on the cultural and religious significance Diwali holds for millions of Hindus across the globe and here in New York.”

Last year in New York, S7574/A7769—cosponsored by Cooney in the State Senate—already made Diwali a holiday, but only for New York City public schools. When she signed legislation, Gov. Kathy Hochul called it "an opportunity for our children to learn about and celebrate traditions from across the world."

The New York City version unanimously passed in both houses of the legislature. Democratic Rep. Zohran Mamdani of Queens cosponsored it in the Assembly. "Now, we have an opportunity to add the holiday to New York's state school calendar," he said of Cooney's new proposal. "For far too long, New York's students have had to choose between their culture and their classroom. With this bill, they can observe Diwali as they should—at home with friends and family."

Democratic U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, also representing Queens, would support the bill, according to a spokesperson. In May 2023, she proposed making Diwali a federal holiday.

“Diwali is one of the most important days of the year for billions of people across the globe, and for countless families and communities in Queens, New York, and the United States,” Meng said at the time. “My Diwali Day Act is one step toward educating all Americans on the importance of this day, and celebrating the full face of American diversity.”

Meanwhile, Pres. Joe Biden hosted a celebration of Diwali at the White House on Monday. Take a look at some of his remarks captured by the Associated Press: