The South Windsor board of education has cut the name of Christopher Columbus from the school calendar in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day. Along with changing the name of the Oct. 11 holiday, the board also added Diwali as a day off (Nov. 4 this year). Celebrated by Hindus and people of other faiths, the holiday is meant to mark a triumph of light over darkness.

Advocates said both changes recognized the town’s increasing diversity and the importance of widening the lens on history taught to young people. Christopher Columbus has been honored in October since the holiday was federally established in 1937. Italian Americans in particular have used the day to celebrate their heritage and achievements in the U.S.