California will shine a little brighter this year. In a landmark move that reflects California’s multicultural heartbeat, the state has officially declared Diwali, the Festival of Lights, a state holiday, marking a historic embrace of Indian culture and diversity.
A Festival of Lights: Diwali, A Moment in History
California became the third U.S. state to recognize Diwali as a state holiday, not the first, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 on October 6, 2025, making the law effective from January 1, 2026.
This landmark decision marks a major step toward cultural inclusion. It also recognizes the vital contributions of Indian Americans to California’s growth and diversity. The move is celebrated as an affirmation of the community’s rich cultural heritage. It also creates a positive impact across various sectors, from technology to healthcare.
The act of multiculturalism
In October 2025, California officially designated Diwali as a state holiday, affirming its commitment to multiculturalism and honoring global traditions. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, making California the third state in the U.S. to recognize the Festival of Lights as a state holiday, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
The law allows state employees to take a paid day off to celebrate Diwali. Public schools and community colleges now have the option to close for the holiday, and students with an excused absence can participate in the festivities. The bill also encourages educational institutions to hold exercises celebrating the meaning of Diwali. The law acknowledges the cultural and religious significance of Diwali for California’s large Indian-American and South Asian population, which includes Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities.
This move celebrates the cultural and economic contributions. It also reflects the growing importance of the South Asian diaspora in the United States
Political Spark Behind the Celebration
The designation of Diwali as an official holiday in California is a significant example of growing South Asian political influence in U.S. policymaking. The successful legislative effort reflects the increasing demographic presence, economic clout, and civic engagement of the South Asian American community.
The bill, AB 268, was co-authored by prominent South Asian American lawmakers, including Assembly Members Ash Kalra and Dr. Darshana Patel. Their leadership was crucial in garnering overwhelming legislative support, with the bill passing the Senate 36-4 and the Assembly 76-4. The legislative push was supported by community groups, such as the Hindu American Association, which publicly acknowledged the lawmakers’ efforts. This community organizing signals the South Asian American community’s ability to mobilize and advocate effectively for its priorities.
California’s decision follows similar moves in other states like Pennsylvania and Connecticut. However, as the most populous state, California’s recognition of Diwali carries significant weight. It sets a national precedent for further cultural and political inclusion.
Lighting the Way Forward
As California embraces the Festival of Lights, it sends a radiant message across the nation — that in diversity lies strength, and in every flicker of a Diya, there shines the promise of unity. By honoring Diwali, California lights the path toward a more inclusive America, one that celebrates not just different traditions, but the shared values that bring them together.
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