Diwali now state holiday in California, Indian-American Hindu community thanks Governor Newsom

The AB 268 law will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

As per the law, the public schools and community colleges will remain closed on Diwali and state employees will be allowed to take a day off with pay.

The bill adds Diwali to the list of holidays that are excluded from being judicial holidays (i.e. special designation) in the Code of Civil Procedure.

It also enables public schools and educational institutions to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating Diwali’s meaning and importance. 

The bill was signed by Newsom, who is known for his progressive policies, on October 6.

Newsom is known for landmark decisions like same-sex marriage, marijuana legalisation, gun safety, universal healthcare.

The latest decision to acknowledge Diwali as the state holiday has drawn appreciation and thankful messages from the Indian-American community.

"We are grateful to Assemblymember Kalra and Assemblymember Patel for their leadership on this initiative, as well as the overwhelming support from the community," stated managing director of Hindu American Foundation (HAF) Samir Kalra thanking Newsom.

"The provisions that allow students to take the day off without repercussion and state employees to take paid leave are important leaps forward in making Diwali truly accessible to those who celebrate."

The organisation named Coalition of Hindus on North America wrote on X, "We thank @CAgovernor for recognizing this important festival and ushering in a new era of inclusion for Hindus in California. Huge shout out to Assembly Members Darshana Patel and @Ash_Kalra for sponsoring the bill. "