Overview

• AB 268 authorizes, but does not require, public schools and community colleges to close for Diwali and encourages classroom observances recognizing the holiday’s significance.
• State employees may elect paid time off for Diwali, and certain public school and community college employees can be granted paid leave under the measure.
• The law explicitly notes that Diwali is observed by Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists, with community input shaping inclusive bill language.
• Because the law starts in 2026, California’s observance of Diwali in October 2025 remains unchanged.
• California becomes the third state to grant statewide recognition after Pennsylvania (2024) and Connecticut (2025); the bill was coauthored by Assemblymembers Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel and drew praise from South Asian advocacy groups citing Pew data showing about 960,000 Indian-origin residents in the state.