This petition is started by Preeti Banerjee and Reshma Kini.

We, the undersigned, are petitioning for the inclusion of Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, as a school holiday in Sharon Schools starting in the 2023-2024 school year. Diwali is a major festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs that represents the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Its significance is comparable to that of Christmas or Hannukah. Many towns in Massachusetts, such as Acton, Hopkinton, Littleton, Shrewsbury, Westborough, and Westford, have already recognized the importance of Diwali by making it a school holiday. We respectfully request that Sharon Schools also recognize the importance of this festival by giving students and staff the day off.