Hindus have applauded South Brunswick School District, in New Jersey, US, for declaring Diwali as a school holiday, calling it 'a step in the right direction'.
ACCORDING TO 2011-2012 school calendar, district schools will stay closed on October 26 for Diwali/Deepavali. Only other religious closing days mentioned on 2011-12 calendar are Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah (September 29 & 30).
About 9,100 students are enrolled in 12 schools of the district, located between New York City and Philadelphia, which was ranked by New Jersey Education Department as "High Performing School District”. It claims to be "one of the finest public school systems in New Jersey". Dr. Stephen F. Parker is President of the District Board, while Dr. Gary P. McCartney is Superintendent of District, whose tagline is “Building Tomorrow, Today”.
Roughly, 11 percent population of South Brunswick is of India-descent. New Jersey is most densely populated and second wealthiest state in the country and Indian languages Gujarati, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, etc., are spoken in its various parts.
Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal, and Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Hindus worship goddess of good fortune and beauty Lakshmi, god of wisdom and auspiciousness Ganesh, and mountain Goverdhan on this day. Also on this day, coronation of Lord Ram was held, Lord Hanuman was born, Lord Vishnu returned kingdom to monkey king Bali of Kiskindha, Lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi married, Lord Krishan killed demon Narakasur, and ancient king Vikramaditya was crowned. On this day of forgiveness, festivities, and friendliness; families and friends get together for worship followed by a sumptuous and elaborate feast. It is also considered a harvest festival.