California recognises Diwali as state holiday after Indian-American lawmakers Ash Kalra, Darshana Patel move bill

California has officially recognised Diwali, the Festival of Lights, as a statewide holiday after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law on Tuesday (US time). Following Pennsylvania (2024) and Connecticut (2025), California becomes the third state in the US to grant official recognition to the festival, reported Financial Express.

The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, will allow public schools and community colleges to close for Diwali, allowing students and staff to celebrate. The move has drawn widespread appreciation from Indian-American and Hindu communities, who flooded social media with messages of gratitude directed at Governor Newsom and the lawmakers behind the bill.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) highlighted the crucial role of state lawmakers in making the law a reality. In a post on X, HAF said, "Thanks to the leadership of Asm. @Ash_Kalra & @AsmDarshana and HAF's advocacy, @CAgovernor has signed AB 268, allowing students & employees to take the day off to celebrate."

BREAKING| Diwali is now an official state holiday in California! ???? Thanks to the leadership of Asm. @Ash_Kalra & @AsmDarshana and HAF's advocacy, @CAgovernor has signed AB 268, allowing students & employees

to take the day off to celebrate.https://t.co/B0iL2Tgvmq

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) October 7, 2025

Similarly, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) extended its thanks, emphasising that the move “ushers in a new era of inclusion for Hindus in California.”

Governor Newsom has now signed #AB268

into law-meaning #Diwali is added to the list of state holidays! ????????

We thank @CAgovernor for recognizing this important festival and ushering in a new era of inclusion for Hindus in California. Huge shout out to Assembly Members Darshana… pic.twitter.com/qPJfi1vjm7

— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) October 7, 2025

Vishwa Hindu Parishad America also posted on X, “We thank Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Assembly for recognising Diwali as part of the state’s civic and cultural calendar. California’s decision shows that when cultural awareness meets civic engagement, it enriches everyone.”

Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) applauds the State of California for declaring Diwali a state holiday, a proud and historic milestone for Hindu Americans. We thank Governor Gavin Newsom and the California State Assembly for recognizing Diwali as part of the state’s civic… pic.twitter.com/ZOomW7UjY1

— VHP America (@VHPANews) October 7, 2025

The bill was moved by two Indian-origin Democratic assembly members, Ash Kalra of San Jose and Darshana Patel of San Diego.

Kalra, the first Indian-American and Hindu in the California legislature, has represented Assembly District 25 since 2016 and was re-elected in 2022.

Patel, a research scientist and school board president, earned a PhD in Biophysics from UC Irvine and was elected in 2024 to represent the 76th Assembly District in northern San Diego County.