Official: California Governor Declares Diwali As State Holiday

It’s already known that Diwali is one of the most crucial and widely celebrated Hindu festivals. It has now transcended boundaries and made its way to the U.S.

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.

According to the latest reports, California made history by adding Diwali to its official list of state holidays. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, allowing public schools, community colleges, and state employees to observe the Festival of Lights with paid time off.

The decision allows public schools, colleges, and state employees to observe the Festival of Lights with paid time off, which is a historic first time implementation on the U.S. West Coast.

Authored by Assembly member Ash Kalra, the bill symbolises California’s growing embrace of multiculturalism. Across the state, Indian Americans hailed the move as a triumph for representation and inclusion.

It can be noted that Pennsylvania was the first state to make Diwali a statewide holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut earlier this year.