By: Richard L. Smith
With 29 New Jersey school districts now observing Diwali as a school holiday, Hindu leaders are calling on all schools statewide to follow suit. 
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Society of Hinduism, the move reflects the growing Hindu community and the importance of recognizing its major festival.
Rajan Zed, President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, commended the districts, including Edison, Jersey City, Livingston, Montclair, and South Brunswick, that have added Diwali to their calendars.
He urged other districts, along with state officials, to officially recognize the festival, noting that Pennsylvania and Connecticut already do so.
“Diwali is a time for Hindu families to come together,” Zed said. “Closing schools on this day not only respects our traditions but also promotes understanding among students of different faiths.”
The New Jersey Department of Education already allows excused absences for 21 Hindu religious holidays, including Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri.
This year, Diwali falls on October 20 and is celebrated worldwide as the “festival of lights,” symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Zed thanked the districts that have embraced the holiday and called on Governor Phil Murphy and state education leaders to expand recognition across all public, charter, and private schools.