CALIFORNIA — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 268, officially designating Diwali as a California state holiday beginning January 1, 2026.
The law adds Diwali to the Education Code and Government Code, allowing public schools and community colleges to close on that day and state employees to take paid leave.
Under AB 268, courts will remain open — Diwali is not a judicial holiday.
Lawmakers passed the bill in both chambers:
- In the Senate, AB 268 passed 36–0.
- In the Assembly, AB 268 passed 76–0.
The measure now joins California’s roster of state holidays such as Native American Day and Genocide Remembrance Day.
California home to largest Indian American population
Diwali, which falls on October 20 this year, is known as the Festival of Lights. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in India and among South Asian communities worldwide.
Supporters say the new law offers long-awaited recognition for California’s South Asian and Indian American communities.
Observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists, it represents the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Traditions include lighting oil lamps, decorating homes with rangoli, sharing sweets, exchanging gifts, and gathering for prayer and fireworks.
“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 and coauthor Ash Kalra.
Coauthor assemblymember Darshana Patel said in these uncertain times Diwali reminds us of the enduring triumph of light over darkness and offers a much-needed message of hope.
What the law does — and doesn’t do
- Schools and colleges: May close for Diwali if local governing boards agree under union MOUs.
- State employees: Can choose to observe Diwali with paid leave.
- Courts: Will stay open; Diwali is excluded from judicial holidays.
- Public recognition: Schools are permitted to include Diwali-themed educational exercises in curriculum under certain conditions.
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