Diwali Holiday In California Struck Down By Court

India-West News Desk

SACRAMENTO, CA – Less than a year after California became the third U.S. state to officially recognize Diwali, a court has struck down parts of the law, prompting concern among Hindu American organizations that had welcomed the move as a milestone for the community.

The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2025, designated Diwali as a California state holiday. It did not create a mandatory paid holiday. Instead, eligible state employees could use paid leave to observe the festival, while public schools and community colleges were given the option of closing for Diwali.

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said the court’s ruling focused on language in the law describing Diwali’s religious significance rather than on its provisions allowing employees and schools to observe the festival. According to HAF, the legislation was intended to ensure students and state employees would not have to choose between observing an important religious holiday and meeting their school or work responsibilities.

Calling the decision a setback, HAF said it is monitoring the lawsuit and “will continue supporting Hindu Americans in California as we work to protect the ability of our community to celebrate the holidays that matter.”

HinduPACT also criticized the ruling, saying the legislation marked an important step toward recognizing the religious and cultural traditions of Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist communities in California. The organization noted that the law simply allowed eligible state employees to use paid leave for Diwali and gave public schools and community colleges the option of closing in observance of the festival.

“For Hindu families, the ruling is more than a legal setback. It threatens a hard-won measure of equal recognition and sends a painful message to a community that has long sought the same dignity and accommodation afforded to other faith traditions,” HinduPACT said in a statement.

Ajay Shah, founder and chair of HinduPACT, said he would work with community leaders, legal experts, lawmakers and allied organizations “to help restore these protections and ensure that Hindu voices are heard.”