- Friday, June 13, 2025
Once enacted, public schools and community colleges will remain closed on Diwali, and state employees can use the day as a recognized paid holiday
By: India Weekly
THE California State Assembly has unanimously passed a bill that seeks to designate Diwali as an official state holiday.
The bill was introduced by Ash Kalra and co-led by Darshana Patel, California’s first two Hindu American legislators, and the 78 members cutting across party lines voted for the bill unopposed.
The legislation will include the Hindu Festival of Lights among California’s list of state holidays.
Once enacted, public schools and community colleges will remain closed on Diwali, and state employees can use the day as a recognized paid holiday.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) credited Indian American seniors for mobilizing the community in support of the bill.
California has the largest Indian American population in the US.
Once it becomes a law, California would join New York and Pennsylvania in officially recognizing Diwali as public holiday.
