New York: In a historic move for the Indian American community, California on Tuesday officially declared Diwali a state holiday, becoming the third American state to recognise the Festival of Lights. The festival will be celebrated on October 21.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday made the announcement that he has signed a bill by Assembly member Ash Kalra designating Diwali as a state holiday.
The bill titled ‘AB 268'to designate Diwali was awaiting final action by Newsom after it had successfully passed both houses of the legislature in California in September.
"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 of Californians that celebrate and help introduce it to many throughout our diverse state," Kalra had said last month.
"Diwali brings communities together with the message of goodwill, peace, and shared sense of renewal. California should embrace Diwali and its diversity, not keep it hidden in darkness," he added.
In October 2024, Pennsylvania became the first state to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday, followed by Connecticut this year. In New York City, Diwali has been declared a holiday for public schools.
Community leaders and leading diaspora organizations welcomed California's announcement of designating Diwali a state holiday.
Nonprofit organisation Indiaspora said that with California's move is a major milestone for Indian Americans in the ongoing journey toward greater cultural inclusion and visibility. "This recognition reflects not just the vibrancy of Diwali, but the enduring impact of the Indian American community across the United States," it said.
Hailing the "landmark legislation", Indiaspora said this is a "powerful recognition of the community’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to the Golden State."
"For the more than one million Indian Americans who call California home, this is a moment of immense pride and joy. Indian Americans have been instrumental in shaping California’s vibrant and diverse landscape—contributing to the economy, serving in government, enriching the arts, sciences, and civic life, and uplifting communities across the state,” the organization said, adding that California, in turn, has welcomed the community with open arms.
"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 said.
Prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur, philanthropist and former advisor to President Joe Biden, Ajay Bhutoria, said the announcement is a “radiant milestone” in California’s journey toward true inclusivity and cultural celebration.
“Diwali, our cherished Festival of Lights, embodies the eternal 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 and contribute immensely to its innovation, economy, and spirit,” Bhutoria said.
He added that this recognition is more than a holiday. "It’s a powerful affirmation of the Indian diaspora’s enduring legacy in the Golden State. From tech trailblazers in Silicon Valley to healthcare heroes in Southern California, our community has woven threads of resilience and diversity into the fabric of American excellence,” Bhutoria added.
By granting state employees paid time off and empowering schools to observe this sacred day, the legislation ensures families can fully embrace traditions like lighting Diyas, making Rangoli, and sharing stories of renewal—without the shadows of work or deadlines, he said.
Bhutoria expressed gratitude to Newsom, Kalra and Patel and said, "Your advocacy has not only brightened Diwali for generations but also inspired a nation to celebrate our shared light."
