Bill > A00827

This bill amends the New York State education law to establish Diwali, which falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar, as an official school holiday. Specifically, the bill modifies an existing section of education law that lists days on which schools cannot be in session, adding Diwali alongside other recognized holidays like Asian Lunar New Year. By including Diwali in this list, the legislation ensures that public schools will be closed on this important cultural and religious celebration, which is significant to many Indian and Hindu communities. The bill is straightforward in its approach, simply inserting the new holiday into the existing legal framework, and it is set to take effect immediately upon passage. This change reflects a growing recognition of cultural diversity in educational policy and provides students and staff who celebrate Diwali with an official day of observance.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A827