California Declares Diwali a State Holiday, Becomes Third US State to Recognize Festival

New York (The Uttam hindu): Ahead of Diwali, a big gift for Indians living in California — the state has officially recognized Diwali as a state holiday, making it the third US state to adopt the festival as a formal public holiday.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the ‘AB 268’ bill, introduced by Assembly Member Ash Kalra, which was passed by both houses of the California Legislature in September. Kalra highlighted that California has the largest Indian-American population in the US, and declaring Diwali a state holiday will give millions a sense of pride in their culture. He added, “Diwali is a festival of goodwill, peace, and renewal that unites communities. California should embrace this diversity rather than hide it in the shadows.”

Earlier, Pennsylvania became the first US state to declare Diwali a state holiday in October 2024, followed by Connecticut this year. New York City already observes a holiday for Diwali in government schools.

The decision has been warmly welcomed by Indian-American organizations and community leaders. Indiaspora, a nonprofit organization, said the move not only honors the cultural significance of Diwali but also acknowledges the growing contributions of the Indian community in America. Founder and Chairman M.R. Rangaswami called it a historic decision honoring generations that contributed to California’s growth and progress.