In a significant move for the Indian community, California has officially recognized Diwali as a state holiday, making it the third state in the US to do so.
On Tuesday(October 7,2025), California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has officially signed a bill from Assembly member Ash Kalra that makes Diwali a state holiday.
Back in September, the bill known as ‘AB 268’ to recognize Diwali as an official state holiday passed both houses of the California legislature and was just waiting for Newsom’s final approval.
“California has the largest Indian American population, and making Diwali an official state holiday will spread its message to the many Californians who celebrate it and introduce it to others across our diverse state”, Kalra mentioned last month.
“Diwali unites communities with its themes of goodwill, peace, and a shared sense of renewal. California should celebrate Diwali and its diversity instead of keeping it in the shadows”, he added.
In October 2024, Pennsylvania became the first state to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday, with Connecticut following suit this year.
New York City has also declared Diwali a holiday for public schools.
Community leaders and prominent diaspora organizations praised California’s decision to recognize Diwali as a state holiday.
Indiaspora’s Founder and Chairman, MR Rangaswami, stated that this groundbreaking decision honors the generations of Indian Americans who have played a role in California’s development and success.
Celebrating the “landmark legislation” as a “historic” occasion for Indian-Americans, particularly in California, Indiaspora remarked that this is a “significant acknowledgment of the community’s rich cultural heritage and enduring contributions to the Golden State”.
For the over one million Indian Americans residing in California, this is a moment filled with immense pride and happiness.
Indiaspora highlighted that New York City has taken a “groundbreaking” step by requiring public schools to close for Diwali, with November 1, 2024, being the first occasion schools will officially shut down for the festival.
Additionally, several school districts throughout New York State, beyond just New York City, will also recognize Diwali as an official holiday.
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