Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Ash Kalra’s Bill Making Diwali Official CA State Holiday

Photo: X

India-West News Desk

SACRAMENTO, CA – California will officially celebrate Diwali as a state holiday, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 268 on October 6 — a move that has sparked joy and pride across the Indian American community with WhatsApp messages lighting up people’s phones.

The new law, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D–San José), makes California the first state on the West Coast to formally recognize Diwali, joining Pennsylvania and Connecticut, which passed similar measures in recent years.

Kalra, who chairs the Assembly Judiciary Committee, celebrated the Governor’s approval on social media, noting that nine of his bills — including four from the Judiciary Committee — had been signed in a couple of days. “Thank you so much @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom and to my Capitol and Judiciary Committee staff who worked tirelessly all year on these important policies that are now state law! More to come!” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 6.

Just days earlier, Kalra had expressed optimism about the outcome, writing, “I’m excited that 12 of my bills and 4 Judiciary Committee bills made it to the Governor’s desk!” Among them was AB 268 — his effort to officially recognize Diwali in the state calendar.

When the bill cleared both houses of the Legislature on September 23, Kalra emphasized its cultural and symbolic importance, noting that California is home to the nation’s largest Indian American population. “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,” he said at the time. “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.”

AB 268 was joint-authored by Assemblymember Dr. Darshana Patel (D–San Diego) and principal co-authored by Senator Ben Allen (D–Santa Monica), with a broad list of co-authors from both the Assembly and Senate.

Kalra, the first Indian American elected to the California Legislature, represents San José’s 25th Assembly District and has long advocated for policies that celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion.

Kalra had remarked earlier, “Diwali reminds us that no matter how dark things may seem, light always prevails.” For many in  the community, with increasing reports of hate, social media trolling and temple desecrations, that statement rang true.