For the first time in history, New York City schools will close on November 1 to observe Diwali, marking a major milestone for the Hindu festival‘s recognition.
According to the news agency ANI, the deputy commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for International Affairs, Dilip Chauhan, highlighted the significance of the decision, praising community leaders and advocates for their years of dedication.
“With 1.1 million students in the city’s schools, this is a tremendous step forward,” Chauhan stated, acknowledging the challenges faced by families celebrating Diwali while balancing school commitments.
“This year, students won’t have to choose between their education and celebrating this important festival”, he added.
In Washington, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted their final Diwali celebration as President and First Lady at the White House on October 28. Indian-Americans from across the US attended, bringing a special touch to this year’s celebrations.
The White House shared festive photos on X, captioning, “Happy Diwali from the White House! Together, may we show the power in the gathering of light.”

The decision to observe Diwali as a school holiday, officially declared in June, was made under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.
Recognised for years by Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist communities, Diwali is one of the largest festivals, symbolising light triumphing over darkness.