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Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation to make Diwali an officially observed state holiday.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali and the Hindu “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated by members of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain faiths.

Diwali has been added to California’s official list of statewide holidays, just in time for this year’s festivities.

This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 268, which places Diwali — also known as Deepavali and the Hindu “Festival of Lights” — on the list of officially observed state holidays. The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Diwali falls on Oct. 20, but the date varies each year, similar to Lunar New Year, and is based on the Hindu luna

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