CALFORNIA: Several members of the Indian-American community and advocacy organisations in the United States have voiced their appreciation as California officially designated Diwali-- the 'Festival of Lights'-- as a statewide holiday.
The bill was signed into law on October 6, making California the third state to declare the festival a statewide holiday, following Pennsylvania in 2024 and Connecticut earlier this year.
Extending greetings to all celebrating Diwali, the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco expressed gratitude to the State of California for adding the festival of lights to the list of state holidays.
"California now joins Pennsylvania and Connecticut in celebrating this festival that symbolises light, hope, and unity -- values cherished across communities, " the Indian Consulate General in San Francisco posted on X on Wednesday (Indian time).