Guidance for faculty
Diwali is a major festival celebrated across India and around the world, and it carries a profound religious significance for Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. Diwali dates change year to year because it follows a lunar calendar. Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs celebrate the holiday in distinctive ways and may request a variety of accommodations.
In 2024, Diwali is celebrated on Friday, November 1.
Hindus celebrate with worship at home and by going to temples, exchanging sweets with family and friends, fireworks and lighting of lamps. Hindus usually celebrate over three days beginning with Dhanteras, but the need for student accommodations is limited to the day of Diwali itself.
Many Jains observe Diwali by fasting, reflecting, and doing charity work along with worship and celebration.
Sikhs may do special prayers at a Gurudwara, a Sikh temple, and reflect on the sacrifices and teachings of their gurus.
Personal religious practices may vary among students. To be able to partake in celebration events, fasting, and worship, students may ask for various types of accommodations when classes, tests, or other coursework are scheduled or due on Diwali. For example, if a test is scheduled on Diwali, the student might need accommodation to take the test on a different day.
If a due date for an assignment or exam falls on Diwali, this verbiage can be added to your syllabus or as an announcement in Canvas: If you have any conflicts or observe any specific religious holidays that will lead you to miss classes this semester, please reach out to me so we can make arrangements for you to take an exam/submit an assignment on a different date.