Diwali, Deepavali or the festival of lights, as it is commonly known, is a significant religious and cultural holiday in South Asia, celebrated by over 1 billion Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world and by more than 384,000 in NJ. Usually occurring in October or November, this Festival of Lights holiday spiritually celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

Despite being known for embracing diversity, and despite recognition of the major holidays of other faiths, Montclair (unlike many other school Districts in NJ) still has not recognized Diwali as a major holiday on the school calendar. 

South Asian children know about Christmas and Hanukkah, and the recently included school holidays for Eid and Lunar New Year. While we are glad children of these faiths are recognized, the failure to include Diwali feels like this important religious holiday has been relegated to a second-class or a minor holiday – and that is not okay. Diwali is as important a holiday as Christmas to Christians, Eid to Muslims and Rosh Hashannah to Jews. Recognizing Diwali as a school holiday would allow these children to honor this important tradition, embrace their faith and let them celebrate this wonderful festival on the day it is meant to be celebrated with their family and friends.

South Asian students who attend the schools in the Montclair School District, children are our future, diversity is our strength. Every student in our diverse city should have the opportunity to celebrate one another’s cultures, and holidays, including this important Holiday of Diwali. PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION, SHARE IT AND LET'S MAKE THIS HAPPEN.