NEW YORK — John Albert is thrilled that his daughter won’t be attending school this Friday, marking a significant milestone for New York City’s public school system. For the first time, the holiday of Diwali is being recognized with a day off for all students. Diwali, celebrated in India and by its global diaspora, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, with participation from Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh communities.
The addition of Diwali to the school calendar, which already includes days off for Rosh Hashanah, Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and several federal holidays like Veterans Day, Christmas, and Memorial Day, is the result of years of advocacy from individuals in New York’s South Asian and Indo-Caribbean populations. Albert expresses that this achievement reflects a desire to incorporate their cultural heritage within the fabric of New York society. “It was this feeling of wanting to weave our culture into New York,” he remarked.
The trend of diversifying holiday observances spans across all 50 states, highlighting the various communities contributing to the nation’s identity. Incorporating holidays from smaller cultures into the broader cultural landscape serves to foster a sense of unity among diverse groups, according to Lauren Strauss, a professor of modern Jewish history. She suggests that when holidays like Diwali and the end of Ramadan are included in the American calendar, it emphasizes the permanence of these cultures within the community: “You’re just saying it out loud, aren’t you?” she states.
An examination of the holidays honored in various regions provides insights into local values. For example, Louisiana acknowledges Mardi Gras, while Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day, and some states commemorate Cesar Chavez Day. In the Southwest, festivals honoring the Day of the Dead are held, paying tribute to those who have passed. The federal calendar also includes specific national observances like Harriet Tubman Day.
Greeting card companies are continuously adapting to keep pace with these evolving cultural celebrations. Kelly Ricker, chief product officer at American Greetings, emphasized the importance of recognizing occasions, stating, “Celebrating holidays and occasions, big or small, with the people we care about is a vital thread that runs through our shared human experience.” American Greetings regularly engages with consumers to better understand the demand for diverse card offerings.
Chris Sargiotto, whose company Apartment 2 Cards emerged around 15 years ago, observed that initial holiday selections were dominated by Christmas and Hanukkah. However, due to customer requests, he has recently incorporated Kwanzaa and Ramadan into his collection and plans to introduce Diwali cards in the coming year. “Whenever we introduce one of these specific cards, it seems to take off. So I think there definitely is the need for these,” he noted.
However, the recognition of various holidays can sometimes lead to controversies. For instance, Columbus Day, which gained federal recognition in the 20th century due to advocacy from Italian Americans, has faced pushback from Indigenous groups citing the negative impact of colonization. This push has resulted in the establishment of Indigenous People’s Day, which is recognized by several states although it lacks federal sanction.
Additionally, the necessity for education surrounding cultural symbols can arise. In Montville, New Jersey, the police department used social media to inform residents about Diwali and the potential visibility of swastikas, an ancient symbol in some religions that has been misappropriated in modern history. This initiative aimed to preempt misunderstandings and foster awareness of the diverse cultures within the community, a move positively received by local residents. Police Chief Andrew Caggiano noted that it serves as a great opportunity to enhance awareness of the cultural diversity present in their town.