Hindus are urging all public, private, charter and parochial schools in Seattle to close during Diwali this October 24.
Diwali, the festival of lights, aims to dispel darkness and illuminate life, symbolizing the victory of good and evil.
In a July 19 statement, Hindu politician Rajan Zed said it was unfair to Hindu students in Seattle schools, who have to attend school on the most popular festival, While schools are closed during other religious holidays.
Zed, president of the Universal Hindu Association, said that since it is crucial for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali at home with their children, closing schools on Diwali will ensure and show the faith of these schools towards them.
“If schools declare holidays around other religious holidays, why not Diwali?” Zeid asked. “All major religious holidays should be respected and no one should be punished for practicing their religion,” Zed added.
