California Makes History by Declaring Diwali a State Holiday
Golden State Becomes Third in the U.S. to Recognise the Festival of Lights; Indian Diaspora Celebrates Cultural Milestone
New York, Oct 8: In a landmark move celebrating cultural diversity, California has officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, becoming the third U.S. state to do so after Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Tuesday that he has signed Assembly Bill 268, authored by Assembly member Ash Kalra, making the Indian festival of lights an official state holiday. The bill, which had earlier cleared both houses of the California legislature, was hailed as a historic step toward greater inclusion of the Indian American community.
“California is home to the largest population of Indian Americans, and designating Diwali as a state holiday will uplift its message to hundreds of thousands who celebrate it, while introducing its spirit to many more across our diverse state,” Kalra said earlier. He added that Diwali represents “goodwill, peace, and a shared sense of renewal,” urging the state to embrace the festival’s values openly.
The move has been widely celebrated by community leaders and diaspora organisations. Nonprofit group Indiaspora described it as a “major milestone in the ongoing journey toward greater cultural inclusion and visibility.”
Indiaspora Founder and Chairman MR Rangaswami praised Governor Newsom’s leadership, saying, “This historic decision honours generations of Indian Americans who have contributed to California’s growth and success. Recognising Diwali as a state holiday affirms that diversity is truly our strength.”
Calling it “landmark legislation,” Indiaspora said the declaration is a proud moment for over one million Indian Americans living in California. The organisation noted that the community has long enriched the state through its contributions in technology, healthcare, education, and civic life.
Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist Ajay Bhutoria called the announcement a “radiant milestone” that celebrates the spirit of inclusivity. “Diwali embodies the victory of hope over hardship and unity over division,” he said, adding that the recognition allows families to celebrate the festival without work obligations, truly embracing traditions such as lighting diyas, creating rangolis, and sharing stories of renewal.
Bhutoria extended gratitude to Newsom, Kalra, and Assembly member Dr. Darshana Patel, saying their advocacy has “not only brightened Diwali for generations but also inspired a nation to celebrate our shared light.”
With this move, California joins Pennsylvania and Connecticut in officially recognising Diwali. Meanwhile, New York City has also declared the festival a public school holiday, beginning in 2024 — further marking Diwali’s growing recognition across the United States.
