UPDATE: My take on this at Metroblogs NYC.
A few months ago nVa informed you about the proposal to recognise Diwali as a holiday in New York City Parking rules.
Even though the Mayor vetoed the Bill, the City Council overrode that veto and made it a law. Henceforth from the year 2006, Diwali will be recognised a holiday for parking purposes.
Below is the complete media release.
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
COUNCIL OVERRIDES MAYOR TO PASS BREWER DIWALI BILL
Legislation recognizes the Hindu “Festival of Lights” in relation to the city’s parking rules
On Thursday, December 8, 2005, the New York City Council unanimously voted to override a Mayoral veto on Intro 420-A, as introduced by Council Member Gale A. Brewer (D-Manhattan). This piece of legislation had been previously approved unanimously by the Council at the September 28, 2005 Stated Council Meeting. The bill suspends alternate side of the street parking rules in recognition of the Hindu Festival of Diwali.
Diwali is celebrated throughout the world and joyfully marks the triumph of good over evil and new beginnings. Introduction 420-A specifically suspends alternate side of the street parking rules on the third day of Diwali, on which of the Lakshmi Puja is observed by family, friends, and community members in temples and homes citywide.
The bill marks the inclusion of the festival to a set of state and national holidays, as well other cultural and religious holidays such as Yom Kippur, Ash Wednesday, and Eid Ul-Fitr, when alternate side of the street parking rules are also suspended. This local law shall take effect immediately after its enactment into law.
