Pacific Lights: California Legislature Passes Bill Making Diwali Official State Holiday
The California Legislature has passed Assembly Bill 268, which would designate Diwali as an official state holiday for public schools and state employees, sending the measure to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature.
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), passed the Assembly on September 11 with a 76-4 vote and cleared the Senate on September 10 with 36 votes in favor and four against, according to the Hindu American Foundation.
If signed by Governor Newsom, California would join a growing number of states recognizing Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” as an official holiday. The festival is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains worldwide.
AB 268 would add Diwali to California’s list of state holidays, authorizing community colleges and public schools to close on the day pursuant to memorandums of understanding between governing boards and represented employees, according to legislative records. State employees would also be entitled to time off with pay for the holiday.
The festival typically falls in October or November and celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is one of the most significant festivals in Hindu tradition and is also observed by other religious communities.
Growing Recognition Across the U.S.
California’s move comes as several other states have moved to recognize Diwali in various capacities. The bill reflects growing awareness of the state’s significant South Asian American population and the increasing political influence of these communities.
The legislation would make California one of the larger states to officially recognize Diwali as a public holiday, potentially setting a precedent for other states with substantial South Asian American populations.
The bill now awaits Governor Newsom’s signature. If signed into law, the legislation would take effect for the 2026 calendar year, with the first official state recognition of Diwali occurring in fall 2026.
Newsom has not yet indicated whether he will sign the measure, but California has historically been supportive of multicultural recognition and inclusivity initiatives.
The governor typically has 30 days from when a bill reaches his desk to either sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature.
Community advocates and supporters of AB 268 are expected to continue lobbying for the governor’s signature in the coming weeks as the legislative session concludes.
(Top photo of Assemblyman Ash Kalra, courtesy of BAPS)
This story was aggregated by AI from several news reports and edited by American Kahani’s News Desk.