California has become the third state in the USA to officially designate Diwali as a state holiday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday (October 7) announced that he has signed a bill by Assembly member Ash Kalra designating Diwali as a state holiday.

In October 2024, Pennsylvania became the first state to officially recognise Diwali as a state holiday, followed by Connecticut this year. In New York City, Diwali has been declared a holiday for public schools.

Bill ‘AB 268’

In September, the bill titled “AB 268” to designate Diwali as an official state holiday had successfully passed both houses of the legislature in California and was awaiting final action by Newsom.

“California is home to the largest population of Indian Americans, and designating Diwali as an official state

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