Highlights:
- California becomes the third US state to officially declare Diwali a state holiday, after Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
- The bill, AB 268, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra.
- California hosts over one million Indian Americans, the largest such community in the US.
- The move follows New York City’s decision to make Diwali a public school holiday.
- Indiaspora and community leaders hailed it as a historic step for cultural inclusion and diversity.
- Ajay Bhutoria called it a “radiant milestone” reflecting the Indian diaspora’s contributions to the state.
In a historic moment for the Indian diaspora, California has officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, becoming the third US state to recognise the Festival of Lights.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that he had signed a bill introduced by Assembly member Ash Kalra, formally making Diwali an official state holiday. The legislation, titled AB 268, had successfully passed both houses of the California Legislature in September before reaching the Governor’s desk for approval.
“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,” Kalra said earlier. “Diwali brings communities together with a message of goodwill, peace, and renewal. California should embrace Diwali and its diversity—not keep it hidden in darkness.”
California’s decision follows similar moves by Pennsylvania, which became the first state to officially recognise Diwali in 2024, and Connecticut, which did so earlier this year. New York City has also declared Diwali a public school holiday, beginning in November 2024.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by community leaders and Indian diaspora organisations. Nonprofit group Indiaspora hailed the move as a “major milestone” for cultural inclusion and visibility in the United States.
“With California—the nation’s most populous state—officially recognising Diwali, Indian Americans celebrate a significant moment in their journey toward greater representation,” Indiaspora said in a statement. Founder and Chairman MR Rangaswami called the decision “historic,” honouring generations of Indian Americans who have contributed to California’s growth.
“Governor Newsom’s leadership reflects the inclusive spirit our nation needs today,” Rangaswami said. “Recognising Diwali as a state holiday affirms that diversity is truly our strength.”
Indiaspora described the legislation as a “powerful recognition” of the community’s cultural heritage and contributions to the Golden State. “For more than one million Indian Americans who call California home, this is a moment of immense pride and joy,” the organisation added.
Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Ajay Bhutoria also lauded the move, calling it a “radiant milestone” in California’s journey toward inclusivity.
“Diwali embodies the triumph of hope over hardship and unity over division—a message that deeply resonates with the nearly one million South Asians who call California home,” Bhutoria said. “This recognition is more than a holiday; it’s an affirmation of the diaspora’s enduring legacy in the Golden State.”
The legislation will grant state employees paid time off and allow schools to observe the day, enabling families to celebrate with traditions like lighting diyas, creating rangolis, and sharing stories of renewal.
Bhutoria thanked Governor Newsom, Kalra, and Assembly member Dr Darshana Patel, saying, “Your advocacy has brightened Diwali for generations and inspired a nation to celebrate our shared light.”
