Religion, one of the biggest controversial topics in the U.S has once again been brought to the light. The question being what holidays should be celebrated nationally in the NYC Department of Education? Many holidays like Christmas and Eid are some of those holidays celebrated/ acknowledged. Though not all cultures are represented or acknowledged in this system. Why is that?

One holiday not acknowledged is Diwali. Diwali is the festival of light and is celebrated amongst many people, not just Hindus but buddhists and more. It is celebrated as the Hindu New year and symbolizes good over evil. The Hindu community specifically has been fighting to make Diwali a holiday off in the Department of Education since. Diwali is one of the many Hindu holidays meant to be spent at home with family. 

The population of Hindu Americans has been increasing and with that I feel that this change could benefit the community. Nearly 750,000 of that population living in New York. Overall, I feel it is only fair that this holiday is acknowledged and shown the respect it deserves by having a holiday off from schools and workplaces.