California State Assembly lawmakers wear traditional Indian attire as they celebrate the adoption of House Resolution 137, officially recognizing November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day.
By Geeta Goindi
The California State Assembly has adopted a resolution recognizing Diwali on November 8, 2026, paying tribute to the cultural and spiritual significance of the Festival of Lights, and expressing its “deepest respect” for the Indian-American community in California and the broader Indian diaspora worldwide.
House Resolution 137 (HR 137), introduced by Assembly Members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra, recognizes Diwali as a festival of great significance to Indian-Americans and South Asian Americans and encourages Californians to take part in this year’s celebrations. The measure notes that the festival is observed annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains throughout the United States and across the globe.
Within a week of its introduction on August 13, the resolution won unanimous approval from the Assembly Rules Committee and advanced to the floor on August 20.
Patel explained that lawmakers were recognizing Diwali ahead of the festival because the Legislature will be out of session when it is celebrated in November. “Diwali may not be until November, but with the Legislature out of session during the festival, we’re marking the occasion a little early,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I was proud to present our Diwali resolution on the Assembly Floor, recognizing the Festival of Lights and the traditions of hope, renewal, and community at its heart,” Patel said. “Bringing this resolution forward now ensures this important cultural tradition has its moment on the Assembly Floor before the legislative session comes to a close.”
Describing Diwali, or Deepavali, as meaning “a row of lamps,” the resolution states that the centuries-old festival brings families, friends and communities together in a celebration of generosity, unity, joy and appreciation, as well as a time for reflection. Homes are traditionally lit with candles, oil lanterns and clay lamps, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
The measure also highlights broader themes associated with Diwali, including the triumph of good over evil, overcoming struggles, embracing positivity and humility, and maintaining kindness in the face of personal challenges.
“Diwali is a time to commit to knowledge, growth, and happiness; it is a time to reflect, signifying the importance of wisdom, kindness, and transformation,” the resolution states.
For many celebrants, the festival also marks the beginning of the New Year. The measure details traditions associated with Diwali, including cleaning and decorating homes, creating colorful rangolis, sharing meals, and gathering for music, dance and community celebrations. It notes these traditions help foster a deep sense of community while celebrating values including truth, justice, duty and family.
The resolution builds on California’s formal recognition of Diwali in state law. In 2025, the state enacted Assembly Bill 268, authored by Kalra, adding Diwali — observed on the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar — to California’s list of official state holidays.
HR 137 specifically acknowledges that milestone, stating that California designated Diwali as an official state holiday “to formally recognize the cultural significance of Diwali for all Californians who celebrate, embracing the diversity that enriches our state.”
The recognition comes as California’s Indian-American community continues to play an increasingly prominent role in the state’s civic, economic and cultural life. With HR 137, lawmakers placed this year’s Diwali observance formally on the Assembly record while encouraging Californians across the state to participate in the Festival of Lights.
Patel extended her greetings to all those celebrating, wishing them “a joyful and bright Festival of Lights this fall.”
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