California leads West Coast in declaring Diwali a state holiday

California has officially recognised the Indian festival of Diwali as a state holiday after the state’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that was welcomed by the Indian-American community and legislators.

The new bill essentially means that public schools and community colleges will stay shut on Diwali from this year, while state employees will be allowed to take paid time off for the festival.

California’s new Diwali law stems from bipartisan support and strong grassroots advocacy. Co-sponsored by Assemblymembers Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra, the bill received backing from groups like the Coalition of Hindus of North America. Under AB 268, schools and colleges have the option to close for Diwali, and state employees may choose to take paid time off to observe the holiday.

“Thank you so much @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom and to my Capitol and Judiciary Committee staff who worked tirelessly all year on these important policies that are now state law! More to come!” Kalra wrote on X.

In the bill, Kalra stated, “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. 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.”

With this, California has become the first state on the West Coast to recognise Diwali as a public holiday, following the likes of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, which have already taken similar steps. Meanwhile, New York City requires public schools to remain shut during the festival.

Gavin’s signing of the bill invoked celebration from the Hindu community, one of whom, called the Coalition of Hindus of North America, said, “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 Patel and @Ash_Kalra for sponsoring the bill.”

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