SACRAMENTO, CA — A regional court has struck down key aspects of California’s official Diwali holiday statute. The judicial ruling arrives less than a year after the state formally recognized the festival, triggering reactions from several Hindu American advocacy groups.
Background of the Legislation
The original bill, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025, designated Diwali as a recognized California state holiday. Rather than mandating a paid day off across the board, the legislation permitted eligible state workers to utilize accrued paid leave to observe the occasion. Additionally, it granted public schools and community colleges the discretion to close in observance.
Legal Focus and Community Responses
According to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF), the court’s decision targeted specific statutory language describing the religious meaning of Diwali, rather than the operational provisions enabling school closures or employee leave. HAF emphasized that the law was drafted to prevent individuals from having to compromise their religious obligations for work or academic commitments. Describing the verdict as a disappointment, HAF confirmed it is actively tracking the litigation to safeguard the community’s right to observe key cultural holidays.
Expressing similar concerns, HinduPACT highlighted that the statute served as a meaningful step toward acknowledging the heritage of California’s Hindu, Jain, Sikh, and Buddhist populations. The organization noted that the ruling impacts a measure intended to provide equal accommodation alongside other faith traditions. Ajay Shah, founder and chair of HinduPACT, stated that his team plans to coordinate with legal experts, community leaders, and legislators to seek avenues to reinstate these protections.
