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California Declares Diwali Public Holiday: Indians living in the US state of California are in trouble. They will not only get a chance to celebrate Diwali openly here but will also be given a holiday on this day.

Although there is not much good news coming from America for Indians these days, but a good news has come before Diwali. In a historic development for the Indian immigrants living here, California has declared Diwali as an official state holiday. In this way, California has become the third state of America which has officially recognized this festival of lights of India as a holiday.
Now celebrate Diwali to the fullest
Assembly member Ash Kalra had said last month, ‘California has the largest population of Indian Americans and declaring Diwali as an official state holiday will send a message to the millions of Californians who celebrate it. It will help many people in our state full of diversity to adopt it. He said Diwali brings communities together with a message of goodwill, peace and a shared spirit of renewal. California should embrace Diwali and its diversity, not keep it hidden in the dark.
In which states is there Diwali holiday?
In October 2024, Pennsylvania became the first state to officially recognize Diwali as a state holiday, followed this year by Connecticut. In New York City, a holiday has been declared in government schools on Diwali. Community leaders and major immigrant organizations welcomed California’s announcement to declare Diwali a state holiday. Non-profit organization Indiaspora said the recognition not only reflects the vibrancy of Diwali, but also reflects the lasting impact of the Indian American community across the US. He said that this historic decision honors the generations of Indian Americans who have contributed to the development and success of California.
Working on Offbeat desk at News18. Earlier Zee Media Ltd. I have experience in digital as well as TV journalism. Also knowledge of writing and production of digital videos. With art and literature during TV journalism… read more
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