Millions of Indians have flooded the United States in recent years. Now, their political force is being felt in one of their most popular destinations, California.

On Tuesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed a bill into law that will make Diwali, also known as Deepavali, a state holiday. The bill, sponsored by assembly members Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, will take effect on January 1, 2026.

'This day is marked as the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year.'

The law amends relevant sections of the code of civil procedure, the education code, and the government code.

The new law designates Diwali as an official state holiday. In the text, this day is marked as "the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year."

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