California Declares Diwali a State Holiday

California has officially declared Diwali a public holiday, adding the festival of lights to its state calendar for the first time. The decision reflects the growing recognition of the Indian and South Asian community’s cultural and religious traditions in the United States. The festival, which symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, is observed by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists worldwide.

California’s move follows similar declarations made earlier in New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and New Jersey, which also recognised Diwali as a public holiday for the first time in 2024. Together, these five states represent some of the largest South Asian populations in the country, where the community has been steadily growing in influence and visibility.

The recognition of Diwali in multiple US states marks a milestone in the broader effort to include diverse cultural traditions in the American calendar. Advocates see it as a step toward honouring the contributions of immigrant communities and affirming values of inclusivity and representation.

Beyond the US, Diwali is already a public holiday in several countries, including Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago. With California now joining the list of states that recognize it, the festival’s global significance continues to expand.