California Recognizes Diwali as Official State Holiday

California has officially declared Diwali, known as the “Festival of Lights,” a statewide holiday.

This new law, Assembly Bill 268, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday and is set to take effect in January 2026. Sponsored by Democratic state representatives Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, the bill facilitates the closure of public schools and community colleges in honor of Diwali, allowing both employees and students to observe the holiday.

Newsom’s office did not provide any comments regarding this decision.

Kalra shared details in a statement on September 23, emphasizing that this designation is a significant step in recognizing the contributions of the hundreds of thousands of Californians celebrating Diwali. Patel added that in these uncertain times, Diwali serves as a powerful reminder of hope, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Hindu advocacy group North American Hindu Federation thanked Newsom for this acknowledgment, suggesting it ushers in “a new era of Hindu inclusion in California.” Similarly, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America praised the state for the declaration, calling it a “historic milestone for Hindu Americans.” They noted that the festival’s inclusion on California’s calendar reflects timeless values that enrich the state’s diversity.

Now, California joins Pennsylvania and Connecticut as the third state in the U.S. to officially recognize Diwali as a holiday.

Diwali, derived from the Sanskrit “Deepavali,” translates to “row of lights” and is celebrated based on the Hindu lunar calendar, typically from late October to early November. While primarily a Hindu festival, it also sees participation from Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, and is celebrated by roughly 1 billion people globally.