In a landmark moment for the Indian American community, California has officially designated Deepawali as a state holiday, becoming the third US state to do so.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on October 7 that he had signed Assembly Bill 268, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, which enshrines Deepawali, the Indian festival of lights, as a recognised state holiday.
In a historic move for the Hindu community in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed AB 268 into law on Oct.6, adding Diwali to the state’s list of recognized holidays. @Ash_Kalra @AsmDarshana #BREAKING #Diwali #California #IndiansinUS https://t.co/ULqqM6dvOq
— India Abroad (@IndiaAbroad_) October 7, 2025
The bill, which successfully passed both houses of the California Legislature in September, received widespread support and awaited only the governor’s signature to become law.
“California is home to the largest population of Indian Americans,” Kalra noted last month. “Designating Deepawali as an official state holiday uplifts its powerful message for the hundreds of thousands who celebrate here and helps share it with communities across our diverse state.”
Thank you @GavinNewsom Governor newsom for Making Diwali a California State Holiday by signing AB 268
Huge thanks to Assembly member @Ash_Kalra & @DrDarshanaPatel for championing this bill and taking to finish line , celebrating light, unity & our diverse communities. pic.twitter.com/KSojMoavVC— Ajay Jain Bhutoria (@ajainb) October 7, 2025
“Deepawali brings people together with its themes of goodwill, peace, and renewal,” he added. “California should celebrate that diversity, not keep it in the shadows.”
California joins Pennsylvania, which became the first state to recognise Deepawali as a state holiday in October 2024, and Connecticut, which followed earlier this year. Additionally, New York City has made Deepawali a public school holiday.
The announcement was met with praise from community leaders and diaspora organisations across the country. Indiaspora, a leading nonprofit representing Indian Americans, hailed the decision as a milestone in the community’s journey toward greater visibility and cultural inclusion.
“With California, the most populous state, recognising Deepawali, Indian Americans celebrate a significant achievement,” the organisation said in a statement. “This acknowledgement reflects both the vibrancy of Deepawali and the lasting contributions of Indian Americans across the nation.”
Rangaswami, founder and chairman of Indiaspora, called the decision a tribute to the generations of Indian Americans who have helped shape California’s success. “This historic recognition honours the enduring legacy and impact of our community,” he said.
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