California Declares Diwali an Official State Holiday, Marking Historic Recognition for Indian Diaspora
New York: In a landmark move for the Indian diaspora, California has officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, becoming the third U.S. state to formally recognize the Festival of Lights.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that he had signed Assembly Bill 268, authored by Assembly member Ash Kalra, to establish Diwali as an official state holiday. The bill had successfully passed both houses of the California legislature in September before reaching the governor’s desk.
“California is home to the largest population of Indian Americans, and designating Diwali as an official state holiday will uplift its message to hundreds of thousands who celebrate it—and help introduce it to many others across our diverse state,” Kalra said earlier. “Diwali unites communities with messages of goodwill, peace, and renewal. California should embrace Diwali’s light and diversity, not keep it hidden in darkness.”
Pennsylvania became the first state to officially recognize Diwali in October 2024, followed by Connecticut earlier this year. New York City has also declared Diwali a holiday for public schools.
Community leaders and diaspora organizations across the U.S. hailed California’s decision. Nonprofit group Indiaspora called the move a “major milestone in the ongoing journey toward greater cultural inclusion and visibility.”
“With California—America’s most populous state—recognizing Diwali, Indian Americans celebrate not just the vibrancy of the festival, but also the enduring impact of the community across the United States,” said Indiaspora Founder and Chairman M.R. Rangaswami.
He praised Governor Newsom’s “inclusive leadership,” adding that “recognizing Diwali as a state holiday affirms that diversity is truly our strength.” Rangaswami also commended Assembly members Kalra and Dr. Darshana Patel, co-authors of the bill.
Indiaspora described the legislation as a “historic moment” and a “powerful acknowledgment” of the Indian-American 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. They have been instrumental in shaping the state’s dynamic economy, arts, sciences, and civic life,” the organization said.
“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,” it added.
The nonprofit also highlighted New York City’s “groundbreaking” decision to close public schools for Diwali beginning November 1, 2024—a move several other school districts across New York State have followed.
Prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Ajay Bhutoria, a former advisor to President Joe Biden, described California’s move as a “radiant milestone in the state’s journey toward true inclusivity.”
“Diwali embodies the victory of hope over hardship, unity over division, and knowledge over ignorance—a message that resonates deeply with the nearly one million South Asians who call California home,” Bhutoria said.
He emphasized that the recognition is “more than a holiday—it’s a powerful affirmation of the Indian diaspora’s enduring legacy in the Golden State.”
By allowing state employees paid leave and enabling schools to observe Diwali, the legislation ensures families can celebrate traditions like lighting diyas, creating rangolis, and sharing stories of renewal “without the shadows of work or deadlines,” Bhutoria noted.
Expressing gratitude to Governor Newsom, Kalra, and Patel, he added, “Your advocacy has not only brightened Diwali for generations but also inspired a nation to celebrate our shared light.”
