Assembly Member Carla introduces AB 268 to recognize Diwali as California state holiday

The Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee of the California State Assembly convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including a significant bill aimed at recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday.

Assemblymember Carla introduced Assembly Bill 268, which seeks to establish Diwali, a major festival celebrated by millions of Indian Americans and South Asians, as a state holiday in California. She highlighted the cultural importance of Diwali, which is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains, and noted that the holiday typically falls in October or early November, based on the lunar calendar.

Carla pointed out that while California is known for its diversity, it is not the first state to recognize Diwali officially; Pennsylvania was the first, and New York has mandated school closures for the holiday. Other states, including Massachusetts and Nevada, are also considering similar measures. She emphasized California's large population of Indian Americans and South Asians, making the recognition of Diwali particularly relevant.

The committee members expressed their support for the bill, with several sharing personal experiences of Diwali celebrations in their communities. They acknowledged the importance of recognizing diverse cultural celebrations and fostering understanding among different ethnic groups.

The motion to advance the bill was passed, and it will be referred to the Committee on Appropriations for further consideration. The committee's discussions underscored California's commitment to celebrating its rich cultural diversity and the significance of recognizing important cultural holidays.