"Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights celebrated in Hinduism and other religions, will become an official state holiday in California starting in 2026. The new law was sponsored by Democratic state Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who represents part of San Jose. Starting next year, public schools and community colleges will be able to close on Diwali, and state employees can choose to take the day off with pay."
"The new state holiday will uplift its message to the hundreds of thousands of Californians that celebrate and help introduce it to many throughout our diverse state, Kalra said in a September statement. Diwali brings communities together with the message of goodwill, peace and shared sense of renewal. California should embrace Diwali and its diversity, not keep it hidden in darkness."
"The law won't be in effect for this year's Diwali, on Oct. 20. The holiday is on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in October or November. In the U.S. and the Bay Area, Diwali is an important holiday for South Asian Americans. Celebrants exchange gifts and light lamps that symbolize the triumph of good over evil. Adherents of Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism also celebrate variations on Diwali."
California will recognize Diwali as an official state holiday beginning in 2026. Democratic state Assemblymember Ash Kalra sponsored the bill and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed it. Public schools and community colleges may close on Diwali, and state employees can choose to take the day off with pay. The new holiday will uplift its message to hundreds of thousands of Californians and help introduce it statewide. Diwali brings communities together with goodwill, peace and a shared sense of renewal. The observance falls on the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in October or November. Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities also observe variations of Diwali.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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