New York: In a landmark moment for the Indian diaspora, California has officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, becoming the third U.S. state to do so, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that he had signed Assembly Bill 268, introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra, into law. The legislation, which successfully cleared both chambers of California’s legislature in September, recognizes the cultural and spiritual significance of Diwali for hundreds of thousands of Indian Americans residing in the state.
“California is home to the largest population of Indian Americans, and designating Diwali as an official state holiday will uplift its message to the hundreds of thousands who celebrate it, while introducing it to many others across our diverse state,” Kalra said earlier. “Diwali brings communities together with the message of goodwill, peace, and renewal. California should embrace Diwali and its diversity, not keep it hidden in darkness,” Ash Kalra added.
Governor Newsom has now signed #AB268 into law-meaning #Diwali is added to the list of state holidays! 🪔🪔
We thank @CAgovernor for recognizing this important festival and ushering in a new era of inclusion for Hindus in California. Huge shout out to Assembly Members Darshana… pic.twitter.com/qPJfi1vjm7
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) October 7, 2025
The decision has been widely hailed as a defining step toward cultural inclusion and recognition of the Indian American community’s contributions to California’s social, economic, and civic fabric.
Indiaspora, a leading nonprofit representing the Indian diaspora, called the move a major milestone in the ongoing journey toward greater cultural inclusion and visibility. The organisation’s founder and chairman, M.R. Rangaswami, said the governor’s leadership reflects the inclusive spirit that the nation needs today.
“Recognising Diwali as a state holiday affirms that diversity is truly our strength,” Rangaswami added, congratulating Kalra and Assembly member Dr. Darshana Patel, who co-authored the bill.
“Declaring Diwali a state holiday affirms that Indian Americans are not just participants in California’s story, they are woven into the very fabric of its identity,” the organisation said.
Thank you @GavinNewsom Governor newsom for Making Diwali a California State Holiday by signing AB 268
Huge thanks to Assembly member @Ash_Kalra & @DrDarshanaPatel for championing this bill and taking to finish line , celebrating light, unity & our diverse communities. pic.twitter.com/KSojMoavVC— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) October 7, 2025
California’s decision follows similar actions by Pennsylvania, which became the first US state to designate Diwali as an official holiday in October 2024, and Connecticut, which followed earlier this year. In New York City, Diwali has also been declared a public school holiday, with students observing the festival as an official day off for the first time on November 1, 2024.
Under the new legislation, state employees will receive paid time off to celebrate, while schools will have the option to observe the festival, allowing families to fully embrace Diwali traditions such as lighting diyas, creating rangoli, and sharing stories of renewal.
With this historic step, California, home to America’s largest Indian American population, has illuminated a new chapter in the recognition of cultural diversity and shared heritage across the United States.
