Petition Statement: We, the undersigned members of the Montgomery Township community, urge the Montgomery Township Board of Education to officially recognize last day of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as a day off from school in Montgomery Township, NJ. Diwali is a significant cultural and religious festival celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists worldwide. Asians make up 38% (Increased by 3.2%) of the population in Montgomery Township.  By granting a day off on Diwali, the school district would demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all cultures and religions. 

Background: Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, holds immense cultural, historical, and spiritual importance for its adherents. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. The festival is marked by vibrant celebrations, including lighting diyas (lamps), exchanging gifts, sharing festive meals, and participating in prayers and religious ceremonies.

Reasons for Recognition:

Promoting Inclusivity: Recognizing Diwali as a day off would make students and families who celebrate this festival feel included, valued, and appreciated for their cultural heritage.

Respect for Cultural Diversity: Embracing Diwali as an official holiday showcases the school district's commitment to respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of its students and staff.

Academic Consideration: Diwali involves religious observances and family gatherings that can be challenging for students to fully participate in if they are required to attend school.

Fostering Understanding: Acknowledging Diwali as a recognized day off promotes empathy, understanding, and tolerance among students, fostering a sense of unity within the community.

Global Citizenship: As educational institutions aim to prepare students for global citizenship, recognizing Diwali as a school holiday aligns with the goal of nurturing culturally aware and open-minded individuals.

Conclusion: By recognizing Diwali as an official day off from school in Montgomery Township, NJ, we can take a significant step towards fostering an inclusive environment that embraces the diversity of our community. Granting this recognition would not only demonstrate respect for cultural traditions but also reinforce the values of acceptance, understanding, and appreciation for all individuals regardless of their religious background.  Additionally, we would love to be added to the list of schools in NJ that officially recognize Diwali as a day off in their school district (list noted below).  

We, the undersigned, kindly request the Montgomery Township Board of Education to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding the official recognition of Diwali as a day off from school. Together, let's celebrate the spirit of Diwali and make Montgomery Township an exemplar of cultural inclusivity and diversity.

Petitioned by: Students Celebrating Diwali in the Montgomery School District

NJ Public School Districts that officially recognize Diwali as a day off: Bernards, Bridgewater-Raritan Regional, Cherry Hill, Clifton, East Brunswick, Edison, Fair Lawn, Glen Rock, Hillsborough, Hopewell Valley Regional, Livingston, Marlboro, Millburn, Monroe, North Brunswick, Paramus, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Piscataway, Robbinsville, Sayreville, South Brunswick, West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional.  Information added from an online article on centralnj.com published on 4/29/22.

Written by: Suri Pabbathi, Sofi Pabbathi, Dilan Mehta, Devan Mehta and Alisha Mehta