UPDATE: California is on the verge of becoming the latest state to officially recognize Diwali as a statewide holiday. Just last week, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 268, aiming to add Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” to the state’s official holiday roster.
This significant move would allow public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali, with state employees given the option to take the day off. Should the bill be signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom before the October 12 deadline, it will join California’s existing list of 11 state holidays, which includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Veterans Day.
Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), who introduced the bill, emphasized the importance of this recognition: “Designating Diwali as an official state holiday not only acknowledges the festival’s religious and historical significance but also enables those within the Indian diaspora and beyond to participate in one of the world’s oldest religious celebrations.”
Diwali, celebrated this year starting October 20, marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar. The festival spans five days and is traditionally observed following the last harvest of the year. It is a time for honoring the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, and inviting her blessings into homes, businesses, and communities. Participants light rows of lamps, visit loved ones, and exchange gifts—creating a vibrant atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
If the bill is signed into law, it represents a crucial step towards acknowledging the Hindu community and the broader South Asian population in California. According to the South Asian Network of Southern California, the state has the largest South Asian demographic in the nation, with Los Angeles housing the fourth-largest South Asian population of any metropolitan area.
Shakeel Syed, executive director of the South Asian Network, stated, “This bill is a recognition and representation for the second and third generations of this diaspora, allowing them to feel part of society rather than a hyphenated version.” He highlighted how such initiatives counter the perception of immigrants as permanent outsiders, reinforcing the idea that the U.S. is a nation of immigrants.
California’s move follows similar actions by other states. Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to designate Diwali as an official holiday in 2024, although schools and businesses are not mandated to close. Connecticut recently joined the trend, while New Jersey allows students to take time off to celebrate. New York City schools have been closed on Diwali since a law was enacted in 2023.
The potential designation of Diwali as a state holiday in California is not just a legal formality; it is a celebration of cultural diversity and inclusion. As the bill awaits the Governor’s signature, communities across the state are poised to engage in festivities that foster unity and pride.
Stay tuned as we monitor this developing story closely. If signed into law, California will take a significant step forward in recognizing and honoring the cultural heritage of its residents.