California is the third U.S. state to designate Diwali as an official statewide holiday. The law, newly signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, takes effect January 1.

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.

A new state bill has made the Hindu holiday Diwali an official California state holiday. The bill, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, goes into effect Jan. 1. Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights," marks the start of the Hindu new year.

California has the largest Indian American population among the states at nearly 900,000. This year’s Diwali starts on Oct. 20. The holiday begins on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in October or November.

About 960,000 Indian Americans, making up one fifth of their nationwide population of 4.9 million, live in California

The holiday is a major event in India, particularly for followers of Hinduism and Sikhism, and is marked by candle and lamp lighting.

California's governor is busy signing bills into laws, from banning police masks to creating Diwali as a state holiday, from California State University admissions to making sure landlords provide basic appliances.

SACRAMENTO, CA – California will officially celebrate Diwali as a state holiday, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of Assembly Bill 268 on October 6 — a move that has sparked joy and pride across the Indian American community with WhatsApp messages lighting up people’s phones.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed AB 268, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), which officially designates Diwali as a state holiday. Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is

A big party was held in Elk Grove on Monday night, with the community's annual Diwali celebration taking place.