California Lawmakers Pass Bill Declaring Diwali A State Holiday
India-West News Desk
SACRAMENTO, CA – California lawmakers have approved AB 268, a bill that officially recognizes Diwali as a state holiday. The measure, introduced by Assembly Members Ash Kalra and Dr. Darshana Patel with Senator Ben Allen as the principal coauthor, now heads to the engrossing and enrolling stage.
The bill allows state employees to take paid leave on Diwali. Public schools and community colleges could also close for the holiday through agreements with employee unions, though courts would remain open, as the holiday would not be designated a judicial holiday.
The Hindu American Foundation, which has championed recognition of the festival, hailed the bill’s progress. “AB 268 (Diwali) has PASSED and is headed to engrossing & enrolling!” the organization said. “Big shoutout to @AsmDarshana and @Ash_Kalra for leading this effort and bringing Diwali recognition one step closer.”
“Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains throughout the United States and across the globe,” the legislation states.
Hindus mark the day by lighting lamps, symbolizing knowledge and truth overcoming negativity. Sikhs observe Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrating Guru Hargobind’s release from imprisonment. Jains honor the liberation of Mahavira in 527 B.C., while Newar Buddhists recognize Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
Kris
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A welcome news from the State Government of California .
September 15, 2025ANUPAM PATEL
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What is the difference? State employees and the State Government are not working anyway! More State holidays are coming.
September 15, 2025Akhlesh Kumar
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Great effort by HAF
September 15, 2025Hope Senate approves and the Governor signs the bill.
Daljit Singh
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The significance of Diwali is much wider and more encompassing than people generally assume. It is a festival of lights and joy that kindles the positive energies of all humans to dispel collective negativity and plan for hope and better fortunes. For the Sikhs, Diwali is a higher calling for a social contract that authorities may not arrest people without a fair trial and due process. No person should be prosecuted for their beliefs, faith, and their right to worship God of their choice. All innocent victims and persons imprisoned and charged without due process should be released immediately. That was the demand of Guru Hargobind to his tormentors that he would accept his discharge from prison only if all others who were falsely imprisoned were released with him, and simultaneously. There is a lesson here for the MAGA administration.
September 16, 2025