{"id":35676,"date":"2025-09-15T10:33:48","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T15:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/travelbeats\/?p=35676"},"modified":"2025-09-15T13:15:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T18:15:58","slug":"california-diwali-state-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/travelbeats\/california-diwali-state-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"California State Assembly Declares Diwali as a Public Holiday for South Asian Immigrants"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Deepavali Day Act, a nationwide movement by Indian American leaders from different walks of life trying to get a federal holiday on Diwali in the US<\/strong>, is still in the dark after 4 years of its introduction. However, something is better than nothing. After Texas and Pennsylvania, California officially declares Diwali, the festival of lights, as a state holiday for South Asian immigrants, including Indians.<\/p>\n

\"California<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

PC: BAPS.org and California State Capitol<\/p>\n

On June 2, the California State Assembly voted unanimously (78-0) to pass Assembly Bill 268, a proposal that would make Diwali an official state holiday.<\/strong> The bill was introduced by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, California\u2019s first two Hindu American legislators. Hailed as the best Diwali gift to California\u2019s largest Indian-origin population in the US, the legislation \u2013 AB 268 \u2013 would enable community colleges, public schools, and state offices to close on Diwali.<\/p>\n

The California State Assembly Bill 268 headed to the State Senate for approval.<\/strong> It was a significant step towards promoting inclusion of Indian immigrants who have been contributing to California\u2019s growth in all spheres for decades. AB 268 would add the Festival of Lights not only to the list of California State holidays but also to the court calendars for judicial personnel. It would designate Diwali as a paid holiday for state employees in California.<\/p>\n

Recognizing Diwali at the state level is not just about a day-off. It is about embracing the cultural identity of Indian immigrants who have woven themselves into the socio-economic fabrics of the Golden State. Diwali is also a time for Indian families across California for a reunion at temples in the state. By declaring Diwali as a state holiday, California made it possible to say, \u201cYes, Diwali belongs here too. Your traditions matter.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous, bipartisan support of AB 268, which would have California officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday,\u201d said Ash Kalra after the vote.<\/strong> Fellow Assemblymember Darshana Patel also highlighted the cultural significance of the bill, calling it a proud moment for the American Hindu community. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) added, \u201cKudos to the US Indian Seniors for mobilizing the Hindu community on this important initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

“We are happy for our customers from California<\/strong>, who would get to celebrate Diwali with peace of mind, most probably starting this year. Diwali celebration is grand not only in California but also in the northeast coast where many school districts observe Diwali as a holiday. May the Deepavali Day Act<\/a><\/span> gain momentum this year to make the Festival of Lights a federal holiday” said the chief customer relations officer of Indian Eagle, the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in the US<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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A post shared by Indian Eagle – Your Best Travel-Booking Buddy! (@indianeagletravel)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n