California has taken a historic step by officially declaring Diwali a state holiday, joining Pennsylvania and Connecticut as the third U.S. state to recognize the Hindu festival of lights. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, acknowledging the cultural and spiritual importance of Diwali for millions across the state. The law will come into effect on January 1, 2026.
Story Highlights
- California officially declares Diwali a state holiday.
- Law effective from January 1, 2026.
- Co-authored by Assembly members Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel.
- Public schools and colleges may close on Diwali.
- Nearly 1 million Indian Americans live in California.
- Recognizes Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities.
- Supported by major advocacy groups including Hindu American Foundation and Sikh Coalition.
The move marks a significant recognition of California’s large and diverse South Asian community, home to nearly one million Indian Americans according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey. For many, the decision symbolizes inclusion, identity, and a shared cultural pride within one of America’s most diverse states.
Assembly member Ash Kalra, who co-authored the bill along with Darshana Patel from San Diego, said the recognition was “a significant moment for South Asian children.”
“To have South Asian children be able to celebrate and share it with others proudly is a significant moment,” Kalra remarked, emphasizing how the decision validates the contributions of Indian and South Asian families who have long called California home.
Under the new law, public schools and community colleges will be authorized to close on Diwali. State employees may also elect to take the day off, while students celebrating the festival will be granted excused absences. The bill aims to ensure that those observing Diwali can do so freely, without penalties or restrictions.
The law’s inclusive approach goes beyond recognizing Diwali as a Hindu celebration. It also acknowledges the festival’s spiritual significance among Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities. This interfaith inclusivity was a central focus for several advocacy groups that worked on the bill’s language.
Puneet Kaur Sandhu, a senior state policy manager for the Sikh Coalition, said her organization collaborated closely with Kalra’s office to ensure that all faiths associated with Diwali were represented.
“It’s so meaningful that all of us in the community can take this day to celebrate,” she said, adding that the recognition brings together different faith groups under one festival of light.
The Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus in North America also played a key role in promoting the bill. Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation, called it a “leap toward making Diwali truly accessible” for all Californians who observe it.
“The provisions that allow students to take the day off without repercussion and state employees to take paid leave are important steps toward inclusivity,” he noted, describing the law as both practical and symbolic.
For many Indian Americans in California, Diwali carries deep personal meaning—celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The word Diwali itself comes from the Sanskrit term Deepavali, meaning “a row of lights.” The festival is traditionally observed with rows of lamps, family gatherings, fireworks, and feasts, symbolizing hope and unity.
In Silicon Valley’s San Jose and across Southern California, where the Indian American population is particularly strong, the announcement has been met with excitement. Rohit Shendrikar, board chair of the South Asian Network in Southern California, said the move brings generational meaning.
“I think about my parents’ immigrant experience when they moved here in the 1960s,” he reflected. “Now my children can celebrate Diwali with their friends, sharing their traditions proudly. It helps build a bond between Californians.”
For decades, Diwali has been celebrated informally in communities across California, often with local festivals, temple gatherings, and light displays. The new law, however, officially brings the celebration into the state’s calendar—reflecting the growing visibility of South Asian culture in public life.
Beyond cultural recognition, many see this move as part of California’s broader embrace of diversity. The state, long known for its progressive policies and multiculturalism, now joins others in recognizing how immigrant traditions contribute to the social fabric of America.
As the festival of lights prepares to shine brighter than ever in the Golden State, one message resonates through the community: this recognition of Diwali is not just about a holiday—it’s about belonging.
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