California Declares Diwali a State Holiday

California Declares Diwali a State Holiday
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The state of California in the United States has officially recognized the religious festival of Diwali as a state public holiday.

According to Reuters, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law announcing that, beginning next year, state schools and universities will have the option to close on Diwali. Additionally, state employees will be granted paid leave to observe and participate in the festival’s celebrations.

California is the third U.S. state, following New York and New Jersey, to declare the Hindu “Festival of Lights” a public holiday.