California just made Diwali a state holiday. Who gets day off work and school?
California is adding a new holiday to its calendar.
On Monday, Oct. 6, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 into law, making California the third state to designate Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — as an official statewide holiday.
“Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains throughout the United States and across the globe,” the bill says.
Here’s what Diwali celebrates and who will get the day off work and school:
What is new California state holiday Diwali?
Also known as Deepavali, Diwali is “one of the most sacred festivals in Hindu Dharma traditions” celebrated by “more than a billion people around the globe,” according to the Hindu American Foundation.
The festival’s name means “row of lights” in Hindi.
People light candles, lamps and firecrackers to symbolize good triumphing over evil, knowledge over ignorance and light over darkness.
“Diwali is a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating life and committing to making the right decisions in life,” the Hindu American Foundation said on its website.
While customs vary by region and religion, the holiday is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and people of Indian heritage around the world.
When is Hindu festival of lights observed?
As with many Hindu festivals, Diwali follows the lunar calendar, so its date changes each year.
According to the Hindu American Foundation, Diwali typically falls between October and November.
In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 20, and in 2026, it will fall on Nov. 8.
When will Diwali official become a state holiday?
Though Newsom signed AB 268 into law Monday, it will not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2026.
That means Diwali will not yet be recognized as a state holiday in 2025.
Do I get the day off work or school for Diwali?
Under AB 268, state employees can choose to take Diwali off with pay, similar to Juneteenth.
However, courts will not close for Diwali, as the law excludes it from being a judicial holiday.
Public schools and community colleges can close for Diwali if local school boards and employee unions agree.
“The bill would authorize public schools and educational institutions throughout the state to include exercises acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance of Diwali, as specified,” the law says.
What are other state holidays in California?
According to law, the state holidays in California are:
- New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: Third Monday in January
- Lunar New Year: Date varies
- Lincoln’s Birthday: Feb. 12
- Presidents’ Day: Third Monday in February
- Cesar Chavez Day: March 31
- Good Friday: Date varies
- Genocide Remembrance Day: April 24
- Diwali: 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar
- Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
- Juneteenth: June 19
- Independence Day: July 4
- Labor Day: First Monday in September
- California Admission Day: Sept. 9
- Native American Day: Fourth Friday in September for Native American Day
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Second Monday in October, also known as Columbus Day
- Veterans Day: Nov. 11
- Christmas Day: Dec. 25
State workers also observe any day appointed by the U.S. president or California governor for a public fast, thanksgiving or holiday.
