SACRAMENTO – AB 268, to designate Diwali as an official state holiday, successfully passed both houses of the legislature. The bill awaits final action by Governor Newsom. Diwali is the most celebrated festival and culturally significant day for Indian Americans, the greater South Asian diaspora, and Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains of all ethnic backgrounds.
“I am thrilled AB 268 has been approved by the Legislature with strong bipartisan support! California is home to the largest population of Indian Americans, and 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,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “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.”
Diwali is popularly known as the “Festival of Lights” during which celebrants light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace. The light for many Hindu families symbolizes the light of good and overcoming the evils of darkness. Diwali can carry additional meaning for Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.
“For the first time, California is poised to officially recognize Diwali in state law. As a proud joint author of AB 268, I was honored to help shepherd it through the Legislature, and now it is on the Governor’s desk. In these uncertain times, Diwali, known as the festival of lights, reminds us of the enduring triumph of light over darkness and offers a much-needed message of hope. AB 268 reflects California’s commitment to inclusivity, honoring the rich cultural heritage of millions of Californians while lighting the way toward a brighter, more united future for all,” said Assemblymember Patel.
Last year, Pennsylvania (SB 402, 2023) became the first state and this year Connecticut (Public Act 25-59) became the second state to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday. New York requires public schools in the city of New York to be closed on Diwali as a school holiday (S.7574/A.7769, 2023-24). Other states are also considering Diwali holiday recognitions.
AB 268 is joint-authored by Assemblymember Patel (D-San Diego) and principal co-authored by Senator Allen (D-Santa Monica). It is co-authored by Assemblymembers Ahrens (D-Sunnyvale), Bains (D-Delano), Fong (D-Alhambra), Gipson (D-Carson), Lee (D-San José), and Ward (D-San Diego) and Senators Cortese (D-San José) and Wahab (D-Hayward).
###
Assemblymember Ash Kalra is the first Indian American to serve in the California State Legislature and represents California’s 25th Assembly District, which encompasses the majority of San José, including downtown and open space areas in southeast Santa Clara County. He was first elected in 2016 and was re-elected to his fifth term in 2024. Assemblymember Kalra is the Chair of the Committee on Judiciary and also serves as a member on the Housing & Community Development, Labor & Employment, Natural Resources, and Utilities & Energy committees.