Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268 recognizing Diwali as an official California state holiday. The bill, signed on Oct. 6, allows those who celebrate the festival to take an excused day off work or school..

Also known as “The Festival of Lights,” Diwali celebrations can be both religious and celebrational. Typically, Diwali is celebrated over many days which include time for prayer and large parties with friends and family. Diwali events encompass traditions such as rangoli, henna and sparklers. 

Junior Laila Joshi said she was pleasantly surprised when she learned about the new law.

“I was definitely surprised when I heard the news, but in a good way,” Joshi said. “I am super excited about Diwali being recognized as a state holiday. It’s such a meaningful celebration and it feels nice knowing it will be acknowledged on a state level.” 

Junior Rohan Bhatt said he hopes the designation will bring more visibility to Indian culture.

“Diwali being recognized as a state holiday for 2026 is a great step in the right direction for being able to put Indian culture in the spotlight in American society,” Bhatt said. “As a country, Indian culture is not highlighted and often is overlooked by many, but allowing the holiday to rise to the state level should create more awareness for Diwali and Indian culture as a whole.” 

Ruth Ann Garcia, an organizer for Mitchell Park’s “Festival of Lights: A Diwali Celebration,” said the recognition reflects California’s growing Indian population.

“Here in the Bay Area, certainly in the state and around the country, the Indian population is growing and contributes greatly to our communities and our culture,” Garcia said. “So I think it’s fantastic that a holiday like this, that is so meaningful to many people, could be recognized.”

Chemistry teacher Ashwini Avadhani, who has lived in the Bay Area for 30 years, said she has noticed an increase in Diwali recognition from non-Indian groups.

“Previously, there was no awareness because the Indian population was small,” Avadhani said. “But now … we invited all our neighbors for the Diwali party. They came dressed in Indian clothes. So it’s become very inclusive — that is what I really like about it.”

Junior Maggie Crady, who is not Indian but celebrated Diwali with her friends of Indian origin, said she loved all the festivities.

“My experience at Diwali was so much fun,” Crady said. “I love experiencing a different culture than my own. My favorite part was getting henna done, which was so beautiful, and I got to show it off for the rest of the week. And I also really loved learning the importance of Diwali and the celebration of light.”

Bhatt said his family celebrates Diwali through both prayer and social gatherings.

“In order to celebrate, my family will conduct a puja, which is an Indian prayer ceremony, as well as attend many various Diwali parties, including one that we host each year,” Bhatt said. “Each party is filled with delicious food, dancing, music, and the atmosphere around Diwali overall make it one of the most enjoyable times of the year.”

Garcia said the annual Mitchell Park Diwali celebration event attracts up to 500 people of all ages, offering performances and interactive activities for the community.

“People really have enjoyed seeing the kids dance, and I’m certain people will be willing to learn some of these moves and try them out themselves,” Garcia said. “In addition to the performances, we’ll be making some paper lanterns and some dias. Those are always really fun and popular, and the kids have a really good time making those.”

Avadhani said she appreciates seeing more students engage with Diwali.

“I had a couple of students who came up to me and showed me their pictures that they attended some Diwali parties in their own kurtas and lengas,” Avadhani said. “Certainly there’s awareness.”

Ultimately, Crady said she hopes Paly will do more to recognize the holiday on campus.

“I don’t think the school does enough to recognize Diwali,” Crady said. “It’s a really important celebration for a lot of people, and when it becomes a state holiday, I’ll be really excited to see how it expands in the eyes of people who don’t celebrate it.”