FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indiaspora proudly congratulates California Governor Gavin Newsom on signing Assembly Bill 268, officially designating Diwali as a state holiday. This landmark legislation marks a historic moment for Indian Americans, especially in California, and is a powerful recognition of the community’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to the Golden State.
For the more than one million Indian Americans who call California home, this is a moment of immense pride and joy. Indian Americans have been instrumental in shaping California’s vibrant and diverse landscape—contributing to the economy, serving in government, enriching the arts, sciences, and civic life, and uplifting communities across the state. California, in turn, has welcomed the community with open arms. 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.
This milestone builds upon a legacy of advocacy and cultural recognition. In 2016, Indiaspora helped lead the successful campaign for the U.S. Postal Service to issue the Diwali Forever Stamp—an effort rooted in community activism dating back to 2001. The movement gained national momentum in 2009, when President Barack Obama lit a diya in the White House—a deeply symbolic act of inclusion and acknowledgment.
Indiaspora remains especially grateful to Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), who championed the Diwali Stamp resolution in the House of Representatives, as well as 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, which in recent years, continues to grow.
In October 2024, Pennsylvania became the first state to declare Diwali an official public holiday. New York City took a groundbreaking step by mandating public school closures for Diwali, with November 1, 2024 marking the first time schools were officially closed for the festival. Several school districts across New York State, beyond New York City, will also observe Diwali as an official holiday.
Today, with California—the most populous state in the nation—officially recognizing Diwali, Indian Americans celebrate a major milestone in the ongoing journey toward greater cultural inclusion and visibility. This recognition reflects not just the vibrancy of Diwali, but the enduring impact of the Indian American community across the United States. Congratulations to the Honorable Assemblymembers Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Dr. Darshana Patel (D-San Diego) who joint-authored the bill.
“This historic decision honors generations of Indian Americans who have contributed to California’s growth and success. Governor Newsom’s leadership reflects the inclusive spirit our nation needs today. Recognizing Diwali as a state holiday affirms that diversity is truly our strength” – MR Rangaswami, Founder & Chairman of Indiaspora.
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Sameer Acharya
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