The author's hands decorated with henna for Diwali / Credit: Akhil Nigam

Thank you to the School Committee for adding vacation days for Diwali, Eid, and Lunar New Year, celebrations deeply significant to our community.

Globally, billions embrace Diwali, rooted in Hinduism, the world’s oldest religion spanning over 4,000 years. Diwali is also celebrated by Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, who are part of Lexington’s rich tapestry.

As a Hindu American, I have heard the story of Diwali many times. When I was young, I learned that Ram fought Ravan, the demon king, in a fight of good against evil. However, reflecting on the recent calendar discussion, I realized its deeper significance in shaping my values. These lessons are more profound than good over evil. Heroes have been a guiding part of history. These were my heroes, and through this story, I learned the values of devotion, selflessness, respect, community, and forgiveness. These are the characteristics I try to emulate; I try to stand in their shoes, and in turn, I strive to become the best version of myself. By observing Diwali as a holiday, we will share these values in Lexington together.

In Lexington Public Schools, the prevailing message has been “We All Belong.” I know I am really lucky to live in Lexington, but sometimes, we fall short. As an AAPI student, I’ve encountered misunderstandings and marginalization of my faith and heritage, reinforcing the notion of AAPI being “permanent foreigners.”

LPS is 46% AAPI. Repeated requests for survey data and delays in acknowledging our holidays felt like a dismissal of our culture. Some even suggested having teachers teach about our faith instead of celebrating it, which undermines the significance of our traditions. This struggle underscores the ongoing challenge of achieving equity and authentic representation for the AAPI community. Students shouldn’t have to sacrifice their cultural identity for their educational commitments. 

My family’s Diwali tradition of sharing mithai represents not just the exchange of sweets but also the sharing of wishes for a prosperous year ahead — underscoring the importance of community and cultural expression. To those uncertain about the more inclusive calendar or unfamiliar with these traditions, I urge you to engage with individuals from these communities to learn more. I certainly will. 

Integrating these holidays isn’t just an accommodation, but an affirmation that “We All Belong.” I am grateful to all who supported this initiative, including the School Committee, the calendar committee, educators, community leaders, and students who spoke truth to power.

Diya Nigam

LHS Class of 2027 

IAL Education Committee Student Rep.

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you Diya and your team, the School Committee, the calendar committee, educators, school superintendent, community leaders, and many other students for helping add vacation days for Diwali, Eid, and Lunar New Year, celebration.
    Love the picture
    Celebrating all cultures will help us all grow for everyones happiness as well as bring together with respect
    Let me and others complement and thank yopu and all
    Enjoy the holidays
    Regards
    Dinesh Patel
    Precinct 6tm

  2. The credit for making Diwali a recognized school holiday goes to the Lexington Indians working at the grassroots level, often in opposition to School Committee and other unlikely organizations that have opposed this holiday for many years. Success, it is said, has a thousand fathers. Celebrate diversity, welcome progress, and credit those deserving of it.
    -Umesh Shelat, Town Meeting Member Precinct 7

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