California becomes third US state to declare Diwali a holiday: The first two might surprise you

California has officially declared Diwali a state holiday, making it the third US state to do so after Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Tuesday, with the holiday set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The law allows public schools and community colleges to close for Diwali. State employees can choose to take the day off, and public school students will receive an excused absence to celebrate.

Co-authored by Assembly members Ash Kalra of San Jose and Darshana Patel of San Diego, the bill reflects growing recognition of California’s large South Asian population. According to a 2025 Pew survey, nearly one million Indian Americans live in California, accounting for 20 percent of the nation’s total Indian population.

"To have South Asian children be able to celebrate and share it with others proudly is a significant moment," said Kalra.

While Diwali is primarily a Hindu festival, the law also acknowledges its importance for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. Advocacy organisations, including the Hindu American Foundation, the Coalition of Hindus in North America, and the Sikh Coalition, played a key role in ensuring the legislation’s inclusive language.

Samir Kalra, managing director of the Hindu American Foundation, said, "The provisions that allow students to take the day off without repercussion and state employees to take paid leave are important leaps toward making Diwali truly accessible to those who celebrate."

Puneet Kaur Sandhu, a senior state policy manager for the Sikh Coalition in Sacramento, highlighted the collaborative effort with Ash Kalra to make sure the bill covered celebrants from multiple religions. "It’s so meaningful that all of us in the community can take this day to celebrate," she said.

Rohit Shendrikar, board chair for the South Asian Network in Southern California, described the law as a recognition of the South Asian community’s contributions to the state. "I think about my parents' immigrant experience when they moved here in the 1960s. I celebrate Diwali together at home with my parents and my children, who will now have the opportunity to share their traditions and customs with friends. It helps build a bond between Californians," he said.

Diwali falls on October 20 this year. The festival, whose name derives from the word Deepavali meaning “a row of lights,” is celebrated with rows of lamps symbolising the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Communities across California will mark the holiday with festive gatherings, fireworks displays, feasts, and prayer.