The University has officially recognized Divali, the Festival of Lights, as a holiday of “importance to some individuals and groups on campus.” Students who observe Divali must inform their instructors within the first two weeks of each semester. Students who do this won’t be required to attend classes or take examinations on Divali, and faculty must provide reasonable opportunities for students celebrating the festival to make up missed work and exams.

Dīvali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and an official holiday in India. It is not surprising, therefore, that Divali is celebrated by many students on Penn’s campus. At the last meeting of the last UA session, the UA urged the Provost to include Divali in the Holiday Policy at the behest of Vehrun Jain and UA Representative Liz Lee.

The proposal has been enthusiastically received by administrators, and the Provost is expected to approve the change to the Holiday Policy by Fall 2009.