California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday (October 7, 2025) introduced that he has signed a Bill by Assembly member Ash Kalra designating Deepavali as a state vacation.
In September, the Bill titled ‘AB 268′ to designate Deepavali as an official state vacation had efficiently handed each homes of the legislature in California and was awaiting ultimate motion by Mr. Newsom.
Last month, Mr. Kalra has stated California was house to the most important inhabitants of Indian Americans and designating Deepavali as an official state vacation would uplift its message to the tons of of 1000’s of Californians who rejoice and assist introduce it to many all through the varied state.
He stated Deepavali brings communities along with the message of goodwill, peace, and shared sense of renewal, including that California ought to embrace Deepavali and its range and never maintain it hidden in darkness.
In October 2024, Pennsylvania grew to become the primary state to formally recognise Deepavali as a state vacation, adopted by Connecticut this 12 months. In New York City, Deepavali has been declared a vacation for public faculties.
Community leaders and main diaspora organisations welcomed California’s announcement of designating Deepavali a state vacation.
Non-profit organisation Indiaspora stated that with California, essentially the most populous state within the nation, formally recognising Deepavali, “Indian Americans rejoice a serious milestone within the ongoing journey towards higher cultural inclusion and visibility. This recognition displays not simply the vibrancy of Diwali, however the enduring affect of the Indian American neighborhood throughout the United States.”
Indiaspora Founder and Chairman M.R. Rangaswami stated in an announcement that this historic resolution honours generations of Indian Americans who’ve contributed to California’s progress and success.
“Governor Newsom’s management displays the inclusive spirit our nation wants at present.” Recognising Deepavali as a state vacation affirms that range is actually our power,” Mr. Rangaswami stated as he congratulated Mr. Kalra and Assembly member Dr. Darshana Patel, the joint-authors of the Bill.
Hailing the “landmark laws” as a “historic” second for Indian-Americans, particularly in California, Indiaspora stated it is a “highly effective recognition of the neighborhood’s wealthy cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to the Golden State.”
“For the a couple of million Indian Americans who name California house, it is a second of immense delight and pleasure. Indian Americans have been instrumental in shaping California’s vibrant and numerous panorama—contributing to the financial system, serving in authorities, enriching the humanities, sciences, and civic life, and uplifting communities throughout the state,” the organisation stated, including that California, in flip, has welcomed the neighborhood with open arms.
It stated declaring Deepavali a state vacation affirms that Indian Americans weren’t simply individuals in California’s story—they have been woven into the very material of its identification.
Indiaspora famous that New York City took a “groundbreaking” step by mandating public college closures for Deepavali, with November 1, 2024, marking the primary time faculties have been formally closed for the pageant. Several college districts throughout New York State, past New York City, will even observe Deepavali as an official vacation.
Prominent Silicon Valley entrepreneur, philanthropist and former advisor to President Joe Biden, Ajay Bhutoria, stated the announcement is a “radiant milestone” in California’s journey towards true inclusivity and cultural celebration.
“Diwali, our cherished Festival of Lights, embodies the everlasting victory of hope over hardship, unity over division, and information over ignorance—a message that resonates deeply with the almost a million South Asians who name California house and contribute immensely to its innovation, financial system, and spirit,” Mr. Bhutoria stated.
He added that this recognition is greater than a vacation. “It’s a robust affirmation of the Indian diaspora’s enduring legacy within the Golden State. From tech trailblazers in Silicon Valley to healthcare heroes in Southern California, our neighborhood has woven threads of resilience and variety into the material of American excellence,” Mr. Bhutoria added.
“By granting state staff paid time without work and empowering faculties to watch this sacred day, the laws ensures households can absolutely embrace traditions like lighting Diyas, making Rangoli, and sharing tales of renewal—with out the shadows of labor or deadlines,” he stated.
Mr. Bhutoria expressed gratitude to Newsom, Mr. Kalra and Mr. Patel and stated, “Your advocacy has not solely brightened Deepavali for generations but in addition impressed a nation to rejoice our shared gentle.”
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