LOS ANGELES, California: California has officially designated Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights," as a statewide holiday, becoming the third U.S. state to do so after Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on October 7, with the measure set to take effect on January 1. The new law authorizes public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali, allows state employees to take the day off, and excuses public school students who wish to observe the holiday.
The law recognizes Diwali as a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Assemblymember Ash Kalra, a Democrat from San Jose who co-authored the bill with Assemblymember Darshana Patel of San Diego, said the move marks a "significant moment" for South Asian communities.
"To have South Asian children be able to celebrate and share it with others proudly is a significant moment," Kalra said.
California has the largest Indian American population in the United States, with about 960,000 residents of Indian origin -- roughly 20 percent of the national total of 4.9 million -- according to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey.
Hindu American organizations, including the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus in North America, advocated for the law. Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation, said the bill ensures broader participation.
"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 to those who celebrate," he said.
Diwali, which falls on October 20 this year, derives from the Sanskrit word "Deepavali," meaning "a row of lights." The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, and it is celebrated with lamps, fireworks, feasts, and prayers.
While primarily a Hindu festival, Diwali also holds significance across other faiths. Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas on the same day, marking the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment under Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Puneet Kaur Sandhu, senior state policy manager for the Sikh Coalition, said the organization worked with lawmakers to ensure the bill's language reflected the diverse religious observances associated with the holiday. "It's so meaningful that all of us in the community can take this day to celebrate," she said.
Rohit Shendrikar, board chair of the South Asian Network in Southern California, said the new law highlights both recognition and belonging. "I think about my parents' immigrant experience when they moved here in the 1960s," he said. "Now my children will have the opportunity to share our traditions with friends. It helps build a bond between Californians."