LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has officially recognized Diwali, the Hindu “Festival of Lights,” as a statewide holiday, becoming the third U.S. state to do so.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, with it set to take effect on January 1. Under the new law, public schools and community colleges may close in observance of Diwali, state employees can opt to take the day off, and students will be granted an excused absence to participate in celebrations.
The law acknowledges Diwali’s significance not only to Hindus, but also to Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, who observe their own traditions that coincide with the festival.
A Growing Movement Across States
Pennsylvania was the first state to make Diwali an official holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut earlier this year.
California’s legislation was co-authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra of San Jose and Assemblymember Darshana Patel of San Diego. Kalra, who grew up celebrating Diwali, described the move as deeply personal.
“To have South Asian children be able to proudly celebrate and share it with others is a significant moment,” Kalra said.
San Jose, located in Silicon Valley, is home to a large Indian American population. According to a 2025 Pew survey, approximately 960,000 Indian Americans—20% of the national Indian population—live in California.
Community Support and Cultural Significance
The bill was strongly supported by advocacy groups such as the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus in North America.
“The provisions that allow students to take the day off without repercussion and state employees to take paid leave are important leaps toward making Diwali truly accessible,” said Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation.
Diwali, which falls on October 20 this year, comes from the Sanskrit word “Deepavali”, meaning “a row of lights.” It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance, and is marked with feasts, fireworks, festive gatherings, and prayers.
Although its origin stories differ by region and religion, the core theme across traditions is consistent: good overcoming evil.
- Sikhs, for example, observe Bandi Chhor Divas, which falls on the same day as Diwali. It commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind, a revered Sikh figure, from imprisonment by Mughal emperor Jahangir.
- Jains celebrate Diwali to mark Lord Mahavira’s attainment of moksha (liberation).
“It’s so meaningful that all of us in the community can take this day to celebrate,” said Puneet Kaur Sandhu, the Sacramento-based senior state policy manager for the Sikh Coalition, which collaborated on the bill to ensure inclusive language.
Honoring a Community’s Legacy
For many in the South Asian diaspora, the law represents more than just a day off — it’s a validation of cultural identity.
“I think about my parents’ immigrant experience when they moved here in the 1960s,” said Rohit Shendrikar, board chair of the South Asian Network in Southern California.
“I celebrate Diwali at home with my parents and my children, who will now have the opportunity to share their traditions with friends. It helps build a bond between Californians.”
With this legislation, California joins a growing national effort to formally recognize the diversity of religious and cultural traditions that shape communities across the U.S.
