Shine a Light on Unity: Recognize Diwali as a Frederick-County & Statewide Holiday in Maryland

The South Asian and Hindu community in our county, a significant and vibrant part of the population, has long celebrated Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as a deeply meaningful cultural and spiritual event. However, without an official day-off, families are forced to choose between observing their most important holiday and meeting work or school obligations. This lack of accommodation limits the ability of thousands of students and community members to fully immerse themselves in Diwali’s traditions, which celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Recognizing Diwali as a county (and state) wide holiday and getting a day off to celebrate religious traditions would foster a greater sense of inclusion, unity, and respect for our county’s diverse cultural fabric. It would allow families to celebrate freely, without sacrificing important commitments, and send a powerful message that all traditions are valued. If we fail to act, we risk alienating a growing and vital part of our community, while missing the chance to embrace and celebrate the values of unity, love, and light that Diwali embodies.

In recent years, Frederick County Public Schools have taken meaningful steps toward granting holidays to other cultural and religious holidays, showing its commitment to diversity. Yet, Diwali remains absent from this list, despite its importance to a large segment of our population. It has been far too long, and it’s time to take action and align our policies with the values of inclusivity and equality. Maryland’s own Howard and Baltimore Counties, along with states like New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and most recently California, have already granted Diwali a holiday status across their states, and working in FCPS is a major step we must take as we work towards the same goal in Maryland. With a growing South Asian and Hindu population, the moment is now to give Diwali, the "festival of lights," the recognition it deserves and ensure our community’s biggest celebration shines brightly on the county’s calendar.

Please sign this petition to help make Diwali an official holiday in our county. Let’s make our community brighter for everyone!

[Petition created by Tanvi and Anvi Chaturvedi]