• California becomes the third state in the U.S. to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday.
• Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268, allowing school closures and paid time off for state employees.
• The holiday is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, symbolizing light over darkness.
• Diwali celebrations in California are expected to include festivals and community events in various locations.

California has officially recognized Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” as a state holiday, following the signing of Assembly Bill 268 by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 6. This new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, enables public schools and community colleges to close on the holiday, and allows state employees to take the day off with pay. California joins Pennsylvania and Connecticut as the third state in the U.S. to make this designation, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the cultural and spiritual significance of Diwali for the Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities, according to India Times, SFGate, and LA Times.

The law allows schools to decide whether to close on Diwali, while public school students will receive excused absences to celebrate the festival. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who co-authored the bill, expressed excitement about the implications for South Asian families, stating, "To have South Asian children be able to proudly celebrate and share it with others is a significant moment." This inclusion aims not only to celebrate diversity but also to promote understanding and community bonding, as highlighted by both Kalra and various advocacy groups, as stated in LA Times, SFGate, and India Times.

The significance of Diwali is also recognized in the broader community context, where various cultural and educational celebrations are planned throughout California. Major festivals, including the upcoming events in Southern California, are set to engage thousands across the region, highlighting the joyous traditions of making rangoli, sharing meals, and participating in community prayers. This year, Diwali celebrations will occur on October 20, 2025, and will feature vibrant programs that underscore the festival’s spirit of unity and joy, as reported by LA Times and SFGate.

Advocacy from organizations such as the Coalition of Hindus of North America has bolstered support for the bill, with representatives highlighting the cultural heritage and community values that Diwali embodies. They celebrate the recognition as a momentous occasion for inclusion and respect for diversity in California’s public life, which the law aims to promote. The recognition of Diwali as a state holiday serves as a historical step towards equality and respect for the significant contributions of Indian-Americans and other Asian communities in the state, according to India Times and SFGate.