Bill > AB268

This bill adds Diwali to the list of state holidays in California, providing recognition and celebration of this important cultural and religious observance for Indian Americans, South Asian Americans, and various religious communities including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. The bill allows public schools, community colleges, and state employees to recognize Diwali on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar, permitting schools to include educational exercises about the holiday's meaning and significance. State employees will be able to elect to take time off or receive holiday credit for Diwali, and community colleges and public schools may close on this day through a mutual agreement with employee representatives. The bill also provides context about Diwali's cultural importance, explaining that it is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of good over evil, with different religious communities celebrating the day for unique historical and spiritual reasons. By adding Diwali to the list of state holidays, the legislation acknowledges the growing diversity of California's population and the cultural contributions of South Asian communities.

Budget and Finance, Education, Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB268