The Brief

SACRAMENTO - California has designated Diwali as an official statewide holiday , becoming the third U.S. state to do so.

The move recognizes the growing population of people who celebrate the holiday, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.

What we know:

The new law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom , will go into effect on January 1.

It allows public school students to receive an excused absence to celebrate the holiday.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra, a coauthor of the bill, said he grew up celebrating the festival in isolation.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: California a step closer to declaring Diwali a state holiday

The new law will allow children to "proudly celebrate and share it with others."

Organizations like the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hind

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