Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed Assembly Bill 268 into law earlier this month, designating Diwali, the Hindu “festival of lights,” as an official state holiday in California starting 1 January 2026. While businesses will not be required to close, the legislation will enable state employees to take paid leave to celebrate Diwali. Additionally, community colleges and public schools will be allowed to close in observance of the holiday.
Diwali takes place on the 15th day of Kartik, the eighth month in the Hindu lunar calendar. In addition to Hindus, Diwali is traditionally celebrated by people of many faiths, including Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
Because it is based on the Hindu lunar calendar, the exact day of the celebration changes from one year to the next. However, the festival always falls in either October or November. This year, Diwali took place on 20 October.
The festival of lights holds a special place in the hearts of many Buddhists. Venerable Tenzin Chodron, an Australian Buddhist nun in the Tibetan tradition, described the significance of Diwali by stating: “For Buddhists, particularly those from Nepalese and Newar traditions, Diwali is a time to honor Lakshmi and reflect on the inner light of awareness” (AP News)
Traditionally, Lakshmi is recognized as the Hindu goddess of luck, wealth, and prosperity. She plays an important role in both the Vajrayana and the Mahayana Buddhist traditions, wherein she is the subject of temple chants and is seen as a protector of the Dharma
The importance of Diwali varies between Buddhist traditions. However, the cross-cultural significance of the day enables the festival to act as a bridge between different groups and traditions. Professor of Buddhist studies Dr. Maya Shakya described the wider ramifications of Assembly Bill 268: “This holiday affirms the interconnectedness of our traditions. It’s a rare moment when the state acknowledges the pluralistic roots of a festival that transcends religious boundaries.” (WAND News)
Pennsylvania was the first state to officially recognize Diwali as a holiday, doing so in 2024. Connecticut recognized Diwali earlier this year, and California is now the third US state to recognize the festival of lights as an official state holiday.
Governor Newsom said, “Diwali is not just a festival of lights—it’s a celebration of the human spirit,” as he discussed the significance of the state’s official recognition of the holiday. (MSN)
Nearly 900,000 Indian Americans call California home. Supporters of Assembly Bill 268 see its passage as a sign of greater cultural recognition and inclusivity in California. Some Californians have voiced concerns regarding the addition of another state holiday, but there are many Buddhist practitioners who see it as a positive development.
Many second-generation Buddhists, especially individuals of South Asian ancestry, recognize the bill as a way to bridge their cultural heritage with modern civic life. One example of this would be Anjali Rana, a graduate student who resides in San Diego. “Growing up, I celebrated Diwali with my Hindu cousins, but as a Buddhist, I always felt a bit peripheral,” Rana said. “Now with California recognizing the holiday for all of us, it feels like my whole identity is being seen.” (MSN)
The bill was co-authored by California Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kara. It provides both religious and civic institutions with a great deal of flexibility in terms of observing the holiday, however, no one is required to close their doors. That said, many Buddhist temples are planning to organize events and plan observances to celebrate the festival.
See more
California celebrates Diwali: Gavin Newsom signs AB 268 into law; how Governor is seen as an ally of Indian-American community (MSN)
California makes Diwali an official statewide holiday (AP News)
California makes Diwali an official statewide holiday (WAND News)
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US Congresswoman Introduces Legislation to Make Diwali a National Holiday
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