In a significant cultural milestone, the California State Legislature has passed the AB 268 Bill, officially recognizing the Hindu festival of Diwali as a state holiday. Lawmakers say the move reflects the state’s growing diversity and the importance of acknowledging the traditions of its communities.

The AB 268 Bill, first introduced in January, adds Diwali to the state’s list of holidays. It also allows community colleges and public schools across California to remain closed on the day of the Hindu festival. According to the text of the bill, the measure is designed to “offer parity to one of the most widely celebrated festivals of light in the world.”

“This legislation underscores our commitment to honoring California’s multicultural heritage,” said a lawmaker involved with the bill’s passage.

Story Highlights

• California AB 268 Bill officially recognizes Diwali as a state holiday.

• Community colleges and public schools permitted to close on the festival.

• State employees allowed to take paid leave on Diwali.

• Senate passed the bill 36–4 on September 10.

• Assembly approved the bill 76–4 on September 11.

What the AB 268 Bill Means for California

While Diwali will not be a judicial holiday, the legislation gives state employees the option to take time off with pay. This clause is expected to help thousands of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist employees celebrate the festival with their families.

“This is about recognition and inclusion,” said a community representative after the Assembly vote. “It’s a way of telling people their traditions matter here.”

California is home to one of the largest South Asian populations in the United States, and the AB 268 Bill is being viewed as a milestone in the state’s approach to multicultural policy. Supporters note that this is the first time a major U.S. state has moved to enshrine Diwali in its official holiday calendar.

The bill’s journey through the Legislature was swift but decisive. The Senate passed AB 268 on September 10 with a 36–4 vote, and the Assembly approved it on September 11 with a 76–4 vote. This broad bipartisan support reflects the growing recognition of Diwali’s cultural and spiritual significance.

“California has always led the way in celebrating diversity,” said another Assembly member. “Recognizing Diwali as a state holiday through the AB 268 Bill is a natural extension of that tradition.”

With the governor expected to sign the bill into law soon, Diwali will take its place alongside other officially recognized holidays in California. The move signals a wider trend across the United States toward recognizing festivals celebrated by immigrant communities.

With the passage of the California AB 268 Bill, Diwali officially enters the state’s holiday calendar — a landmark recognition of the festival’s cultural and spiritual importance, and a signal of California’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.