Indiaspora, a nonprofit organization that unites global leaders of Indian origin, has congratulated California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing Assembly Bill 268, officially designating Diwali as a state holiday.

The passage of this bill marks a historic milestone for Indian Americans in California and recognizes the community’s rich cultural heritage and contributions to the state, Indiaspora said in a statement.

“This historic decision validates the contributions our community has made to this state for generations. The governor’s leadership on this issue demonstrates the inclusive vision we need in America today. By elevating our community’s most important celebration to official status, this administration has shown that diversity truly is our strength,” said Indiaspora Founder and Chairman MR Rangaswami.

With California, the most populous U.S. state, now recognizing Diwali, Indiaspora described the move as a major step forward for cultural inclusion and visibility. The organization emphasized that the recognition reflects both the vibrancy of the festival and the enduring impact of the Indian American community nationwide.

Indiaspora also congratulated Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Dr. Darshana Patel (D-San Diego), who jointly authored the bill.

For the more than one million Indian Americans living in California, this decision represents “immense pride and joy,” Indiaspora noted. The community has long played a key role in shaping California’s diverse social and economic fabric – contributing to business, government, arts, science, and civic life. Declaring Diwali a state holiday affirms that “Indian Americans are not just participants in California’s story – they are woven into the very fabric of its identity,” the statement said.

This milestone builds on years of cultural advocacy. In 2016, Indiaspora helped lead the campaign for the U.S. Postal Service to issue the Diwali Forever Stamp, a movement rooted in activism dating back to 2001. The effort gained national momentum in 2009, when President Barack Obama lit a diya in the White House, symbolizing inclusion and acknowledgment.

Indiaspora expressed gratitude to Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), who championed the Diwali Stamp resolution in the House, and to Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Cornyn (R-TX), who led the bipartisan effort in the Senate.

“Their leadership made the Diwali Stamp a reality and helped catalyze a broader cultural shift toward recognition of Indian festivals and traditions,” Indiaspora added.

In October 2024, Pennsylvania became the first U.S. state to declare Diwali an official public holiday. New York City also made history by closing public schools for the festival on November 1, 2024, a move followed by several other districts across New York State.

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