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California Assembly adopts Diwali resolution
The resolution adds to broader efforts by elected representatives and advocacy groups to promote recognition and understanding of Diwali and the communities that celebrate it.
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Bhavana P - Fri, 21, Aug 2026
- 18:30 EDT
- 50
Representative image / Pexels
The California State Assembly on Aug. 20 officially adopted HR 137, a resolution recognizing the cultural and religious significance of Diwali and encouraging Californians to participate in celebrations marking the Festival of Lights.
The resolution, introduced by Assemblymembers Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra, recognizes Diwali in 2026, which falls on November 8, and highlights the festival's significance to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. The measure was introduced on August 13 and advanced through the Assembly before its adoption this week.
The Hindu American Foundation welcomed the resolution's adoption, thanking Patel and Kalra for their leadership and noting that Patel's office had consulted the organization on the bill's language.
Also read: California assembly proposes Hindu Appreciation month resolution
The resolution follows an even more significant legislative milestone for Diwali in California. In October 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268, making Diwali an official state holiday beginning January 1, 2026. The legislation was authored by Kalra and co-authored by Patel and permits public schools and community colleges to close in observance of the festival, while allowing eligible state employees to take time off.
California became the third U.S. state to formally recognize Diwali as a statewide holiday, following Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The measure marked California as the first state on the West Coast to grant the festival such recognition.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is celebrated with lamps, prayers, gatherings and other traditions symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
With HR 137 now adopted, California lawmakers have further reaffirmed the festival's significance and the growing visibility of South Asian and Hindu communities across the state.
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