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US Judge strikes down California Diwali law
Court invalidated portions of California's Diwali holiday law, citing religious wording while leaving its practical purpose unchallenged.
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Pranavi Sharma - Fri, 24, Jul 2026
- 00:42 EDT
- 48
diwali celebration representative image / diwali celebration representative image
A California judge has struck down portions of the state's Diwali holiday law, less than a year after California became the third U.S. state to officially recognize the festival as a state holiday. The ruling focused on the law's wording describing Diwali's religious significance rather than its practical purpose, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF).
The legislation, signed into law in October 2025, officially recognized Diwali as a California state holiday. While it did not make Diwali a mandatory paid holiday for everyone, it allowed eligible state employees to use paid leave and gave public schools and community colleges the option to close in observance of the festival.
ALSO READ: US Postal Service unveils new Diwali stamp
The law was widely welcomed by Hindu Americans and other communities that celebrate Diwali, including Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists.
In a statement, HAF said the court's decision did not primarily challenge the law's practical objective of allowing students and employees to observe Diwali without having to choose between their religious beliefs and their educational or professional responsibilities.
Breaking| A California judge has overturned the state’s Diwali holiday law.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) July 23, 2026
Last October, Hindu Americans celebrated a historic milestone when California recognized Diwali as an official state holiday, a meaningful step toward acknowledging the traditions and contributions of… pic.twitter.com/rA5j30v2vk
The organization described the ruling as a setback for California's efforts to recognize the cultural and religious diversity of its residents. It said it is closely monitoring the case and remains committed to defending the rights of Hindu Americans and other communities that observe Diwali in the state.
"Last October, Hindu Americans celebrated a historic milestone when California recognized Diwali as an official state holiday, a meaningful step toward acknowledging the traditions and contributions of the state's Hindu community," HAF said.
The foundation said the court's ruling has now challenged that recognition.
It added that the ruling centered on the law's description of Diwali's religious significance rather than the holiday's practical purpose.
"The ruling focused on the wording of the law describing Diwali's religious significance, rather than the practical purpose of the holiday: allowing students and employees to observe an important holiday without being forced to choose between their faith and their responsibilities," the statement said.
HAF said it will continue supporting Hindu Americans in California as the case proceeds.
"HAF is monitoring this lawsuit and will continue supporting Hindu Americans in California as we work to protect the ability of our community to celebrate the holidays that matter," the organization said.
The foundation also said it will continue working to protect the ability of students, educators and state employees to celebrate one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It has not said whether the ruling will be appealed or what legal action may follow.
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