California declares Diwali a state holiday

• California has officially declared Diwali a state holiday, becoming the third US state to recognize this festival of lights, after Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
• Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, which will take effect January 1, 2026.

• The new law allows public schools and community colleges to remain closed on Diwali, while state employees can opt for paid leave.
• The bill was co-authored by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, reflecting California's large South Asian population.
• According to a 2025 Pew survey, nearly one million Indian Americans live in California, accounting for 20% of the US Indian diaspora.

• This law acknowledges the importance of Diwali not only for Hindus, but also for Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.
• The decision was widely supported by advocacy groups such as the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus in North America.