New York City has officially declared Diwali as a school holiday, recognising the cultural significance of the festival and celebrating the diversity of its residents, including the Indian community. Mayor Eric Adams announced the decision, describing it as a "victory" for the city and its various communities.

Mayor Adams expressed pride in the passage of the Bill by the State Assembly and the State Senate, stating his confidence in the Governor's approval. Speaking from City Hall during a special announcement, he said, "This is a victory, not only for the men and women of the Indian community and all communities that celebrate Diwali, but it's a victory for New York."

New York Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar, the first Indian-American woman elected to a New York State office, highlighted the long-standing efforts of the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean community in securing this recognition. She emphasised that Diwali would now be enshrined as a school holiday in law, underscoring the importance of the occasion for over 600,000 Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain Americans across New York City.

Rajkumar celebrated the broader significance of the decision, stating, "Today, we proudly say that Diwali is not just a holiday. It is an American holiday, and the South Asian community is part of the American story."

She referenced the civil rights tradition in America, noting that Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist individuals have played an important role, with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself acknowledged Mahatma Gandhi's influence on his movement of nonviolent social change.

Mayor Adams, alongside community leaders, diaspora representatives, city officials, and lawmakers, emphasized the ever-evolving nature of New York City as a welcoming home for diverse communities. He asserted that the school calendar should reflect the city's reality and ensure the acknowledgment of all communities.

Congresswoman Grace Meng, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, expressed her happiness at the imminent realization of their efforts. Meng emphasized the importance of acknowledging and appreciating Diwali as an observance alongside holidays of other cultures and ethnicities, reflecting the city's rich and vibrant diversity. She also highlighted her introduction of a bill in Congress to establish Diwali as a federal holiday.

New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks emphasized the educational value of the decision, stating that it would open minds and provide an opportunity for students to learn about the history and heritage of Diwali. He expressed joy for the children, families, and communities across New York City who would gain a deeper understanding of the community's culture.