California is making history by officially recognizing Diwali as a state holiday! Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, a significant move for the Hindu festival of lights. This legislation formally designates Diwali as a statewide holiday, beginning in 2026. The festival, also known as Deepavali, is a cherished occasion celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists across the globe, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families traditionally gather to light candles and lamps, exchange greetings, and reflect on the profound values of life and community.
### Will there be a Diwali holiday in 2025?
Despite the new law, Diwali will not yet be a state-recognized holiday in California for 2025. Assembly Bill 268 is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2026. Therefore, when Diwali falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, state offices, schools, and universities will operate as usual. While public institutions may choose to observe the festival informally, there is no statewide mandate for closures this year.
### What the law means for schools and employees
Starting in 2026, AB 268 will grant state employees the option to take the day off with pay for Diwali, a provision similar to the Juneteenth holiday. Public schools and community colleges will also be permitted to close their doors for the festival, provided that local school boards and employee unions give their approval. It’s important to note that courts are specifically excluded from this holiday observance. Beyond simply allowing time off, the law actively encourages schools to recognize and celebrate the rich meaning and cultural importance of Diwali within their communities.
### Diwali’s significance
Diwali remains one of the most significant festivals in Hindu Dharma traditions, celebrated by more than a billion people worldwide. Its designation as an official state holiday in California reflects the growing recognition of the vibrant Indian American and South Asian American communities and their invaluable cultural contributions to the state. Beginning in 2026, this formal observance will offer both a welcomed pause from regular routines and a dedicated moment for individuals and families to honor the spiritual and cultural values that the festival embodies.