News Summary
New York City public schools will close to observe the Diwali holiday, marking the first year this festival has been recognized as an official school holiday. Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions globally. Following the holiday, students will return to classes and can look forward to additional days off throughout the academic year for various religious observances. Community events will celebrate Diwali, emphasizing cultural engagement and shared traditions.
New York City public schools will be closed on Monday, October 20, 2023, to observe the Diwali holiday. This closure marks the first year that Diwali has been recognized as a public school holiday in the city, a change implemented in June 2023.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major festival celebrated by millions around the world, including Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The festival spans five days and typically occurs in October or November, based on the lunar Indian calendar. Following the Diwali holiday, students will return to classes on Tuesday, October 21.
New York City public school students can expect additional days off following Diwali, including:
- Election Day on Tuesday, November 4
- Veterans Day on November 11
- Thanksgiving recess from November 27 to 28
The city’s public school academic calendar includes approximately two dozen days off from the start to the end of the school year. These days off encompass various religious observances such as Good Friday, Yom Kippur, and Eid al-Fitr. Students also benefit from extended breaks during winter recess, mid-winter recess, and spring recess, which include holidays like Christmas and Passover.
Holiday Calendar Highlights
Other holidays recognized in the New York City public school calendar comprise:
- Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Columbus Day)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth
In addition to school closures, the academic calendar also outlines dates for parent-teacher conferences at elementary, middle, and high school levels.
About Diwali
Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. Various celebratory practices accompany the festival, such as lighting lamps, decorating homes with colorful rangoli designs, and sharing festive meals with family and friends.
Community Celebrations and Activities
In line with the Diwali celebrations, community events are happening across the city. One notable event includes a free reading and craft session for children at the St. George Library Center on Thursday, October 16. This event offers lantern-making and rangoli design activities for children aged 8 and younger, fostering engagement and cultural appreciation.
Mayor Eric Adams has actively participated in Diwali festivities across multiple boroughs, showcasing the city’s commitment to recognizing the importance of diverse cultural celebrations within schools and communities. Local Indian and Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten Island are also preparing special cuisine to celebrate the Diwali festival, offering a taste of tradition to the public.
As New York City schools close for Diwali, this important cultural moment offers an opportunity for students and families to engage with a significant celebration that emphasizes the values of joy, community, and cultural heritage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New York City Recognizes Diwali as Official School Holiday
New York City Public Schools Celebrate Diverse Holidays
New York Senate Proposes Cultural School Holidays
New York City Public Schools Implement Changes to Academic Calendar
NYC Public Schools to Recognize Diwali, Lunar New Year, and Eid
New York State Public High School Calendar Updates
New York City Public Schools Celebrate Summer Break
NYC Public Schools Extend Winter Break
New York Schools to Recognize Eid al-Adha as Holiday
New York City Public Schools to Observe Eid al-Adha
Additional Resources
- Staten Island Celebrate Diwali
- Wikipedia: Diwali
- NYC Public Schools Closure
- Google Search: NYC Public Schools October 2023
- Musicians Demand Action
- Google Scholar: Diwali celebrations
- NYC School Calendar 2025-2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diwali
- NY1: New Yorkers Celebrate Diwali
- Google News: Diwali celebrations New York
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