Bill > S01160

This bill establishes Diwali, which falls on the fifteenth day of Kartika on the Hindu calendar, as a statewide school holiday in New York. Specifically, the legislation amends existing education law to ensure that public schools, particularly in New York City, will not be in session on Diwali. The bill makes two key changes: first, it adds Diwali to the list of days when schools are not permitted to be in session, and second, it requires school districts that provide transportation to nonpublic schools to recognize Diwali as a day on which transportation services will be provided. Diwali, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is an important Hindu holiday that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and is traditionally observed by millions of people worldwide. By making this a recognized school holiday, the bill acknowledges the cultural significance of Diwali and provides recognition for Hindu students and families in New York's school system.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1160