US EditionCalifornia makes Diwali an official statewide holiday
Assembly Bill 268 allows public schools and state employees to observe Diwali with paid leave and excused absences, recognizing California's large Indian American population of nearly one million.
- On October 6, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, formally recognizing Diwali as a California state holiday effective January 1, 2026.
- In September, the bill cleared both houses of the California Legislature after a broad grassroots campaign and volunteer outreach helped secure bipartisan support; it was co-authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra and Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel.
- AB 268 authorises K-12 public schools and community colleges to close for Diwali, allows state employees paid leave, and encourages educational exercises with a model curriculum guide.
- Community leaders and diaspora organizations praised the decision as an affirmation of the Indian American community’s contributions to California, with Indiaspora calling it a historic milestone for inclusion.
- California now joins Pennsylvania and Connecticut as the third U.S. state to recognize Deepavali.
44 Articles
44 Articles
DNyuz
California declares Hindu observance an official state holiday
Millions of Indians have flooded the United States in recent years. Now, their political force is being felt in one of their most popular destinations, California. On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill into law that will make Diwali, also known as Deepavali, a state holiday. The bill, sponsored by assembly members Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, will take effect on January 1, 2026. ‘This day is marked as the 15th day of the mo…
California designates Diwali a statewide holiday
A Hindu devotee lights oil candles during their Diwali day at a temple in Yangon, Myanmar, on Oct. 31, 2024. (File photo by Thein Zaw/Associated Press) California has become the third U.S. state to designate Diwali — the Hindu “Festival of Lights” — as an official statewide holiday. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law Tuesday to go into effect on Jan. 1. It would authorize public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali. State empl…
California Becomes Third US State To Recognise Diwali As Official Holiday
In a historic development for the Indian diaspora, California has designated Diwali as an official state holiday, becoming the third state in the US to officially recognise the Indian festival of lights as a holiday.
California designates Diwali as state holiday
New York: In a historic development for the Indian diaspora, California has designated Diwali as an official state holiday, becoming the third state in the US to officially recognise the Indian festival of lights as a holiday. California Governor Gavin Newsom Tuesday announced that he has signed a bill by Assembly member Ash Kalra designating Diwali as a state holiday. In September, the bill titled ‘AB 268’to designate Diwali as an official stat…
California Shines Light on Diwali: A Historic State Holiday
California Shines Light on Diwali: A Historic State Holiday In a landmark cultural development, California has become the third U.S. state to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday, adding a new dimension to American cultural inclusion. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the decision, following the successful passage of a legislative bill introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra.This move highlights California's role as home to the largest p…
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