Hindus want Diwali holiday in Fremont schools in California

Nevada (US), May 15 (ANI): Hindus want Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) in California (USA) to add Diwali, the most popular Hindu holy day, to the holiday calendar.steemed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) on Sunday, urging FUSD to announce Diwali as school holiday, said that it was important for Hindu families to celebrate Diwali day together at home with their children.

According to reports, Asians made-up about 51 pc of Fremont's population and a sizeable portion of those were of India descent.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, argued that awareness about other religions thus created by such holidays would make the District pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. It would make District look good also besides bringing cohesion and unity in the community. ccording to Zed, 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.

Zed stressed that all school districts across USA should declare Diwali as school holiday.

FUSD, which states "We take pride in our diversity, in our community, and in our schools", has approximately 32,000 students. James Morris is Superintendent, while Bryan Gebhardt and Lily Mei are President and Vice President respectively of Board of Education and Divya Gupta is Student Board Member.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)