California is adding a new holiday to its calendar. On Monday, Oct. 6, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, making California the third state to designate Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — as an official statewide holiday.

About 960,000 Indian Americans, making up one fifth of their nationwide population of 4.9 million, live in California

California has the largest Indian American population among the states at nearly 900,000. This year’s Diwali starts on Oct. 20. The holiday begins on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in October or November.

The holiday is a major event in India, particularly for followers of Hinduism and Sikhism, and is marked by candle and lamp lighting.

Sacramento's Indian community is celebrating Diwali with traditions that include cooking sweets and offering prayers for family prosperity. "Everyone is like a family here. Food is a big part of our celebration. We love to cook a lot of sweets," said Shrdha Shah from BAPS Sacramento.

Governor Josh Shapiro signed a law establishing Diwali on the fifteenth day of Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, making Pennsylvania one of the states that acknowledged it much earlier. In 2023, the administration of New York declared Diwali to be a public school holiday, allowing for school holiday.

Diwali isn’t a federal holiday in the US, but states like California, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut have recognized it. New York City, New Jersey, and Texas also observe it through school closures or excused absences,

Diwali, India 's most significant annual festival, holds particular importance for Hindus but is celebrated across faiths by over a billion people in the nation and its diaspora. Over five days, attendees enjoy festive gatherings, spectacular fireworks displays, elaborate feasts, and prayer.

California is the third U.S. state to designate Diwali as an official statewide holiday. The law, newly signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, takes effect January 1.

On Monday, Trump extended greetings on the occasion, describing Diwali as “a reminder of light’s victory over darkness and good’s triumph over evil.” His message, published on the White House website, read: