The Brief

LOS ANGELES - The California Legislature has passed a bill that would make Diwali, the Hindu "Festival of Lights," an official statewide holiday.

What we know:

The bill would authorize public schools and community colleges to close for the holiday, and state employees would be permitted to take the day off.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a five-day festival that marks the beginning of the new year in the Hindu calendar.

Celebrated by Hindus and Indians in the diaspora, it is a time for honoring the goddess Lakshmi by lighting up homes, businesses, and temples.

This year, Diwali will begin on October 20.

What they're saying:

Assemblymember Ash Kalra, who introduced the bill, said the designation would allow people to "take part in one of the world's oldest reli

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