The California State Assembly has formally recognised November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day and encouraged people across the state to participate in celebrations. The resolution was adopted on Thursday and marks official recognition of this year’s Diwali festival in California.

Moved by Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra, the resolution also expressed “deepest respect” for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora in California and around the world. It highlighted Diwali’s cultural and community significance among Indian American and South Asian American communities.

California Assembly Recognises Diwali On November 8

The resolution states that the Assembly “recognizes this year’s Diwali festival on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and encourages Californians to take part in this joyous day of celebration”.

It noted that Diwali holds particular significance for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans and is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains across the United States and other parts of the world.

The resolution described Diwali, also known as Deepavali, as meaning “a row of lamps”. It characterised the festival as one of the world’s oldest holidays, bringing families, friends and communities together around themes of generosity, unity, joy, appreciation and reflection.

Resolution Highlights Festival Of Lights

The Assembly’s resolution also outlined traditional elements associated with Diwali, commonly known as the Festival of Lights. It said homes are illuminated with candles, oil lanterns and clay lamps, while firecrackers are used as a way of showing respect for good health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.

The resolution noted that Diwali is observed in different ways by different communities and traditions. It said the festival reflects the triumph of good over evil and carries broader themes of overcoming struggles, rejecting negativity, embracing positivity and practising humility.

It also linked the festival to values of kindness and resilience, including maintaining compassion despite personal challenges.

Diwali Celebrations Emphasise Knowledge And Growth

The resolution said Diwali provides an opportunity for those who celebrate it to reflect on personal growth and commit themselves to knowledge and happiness.

“For those who celebrate, 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,” it said.

By adopting the resolution, the California State Assembly formally recognised November 8 as this year’s Diwali Day and called on Californians to participate in the celebrations. The measure also highlighted the festival’s importance to Indian Americans, South Asian Americans and communities around the world that observe Diwali.

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