California could be the latest U.S. country, designating Diwali as an official state-wide holiday.
Last week the California Legislature passed General Assembly Act 268, This will add Diwali, also known as Deepavali and Hindu “Lights”, the state’s official holiday list.
The Congress bill would authorize community colleges and public schools to close on Diwali. State employees will be allowed to take leave for election; employees of certain community colleges and public schools will be given leave time under the proposed law.
California now There are 11 states for holidaysincluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Cesar Chavez Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
In order for the bill to become law, Governor Gavin Newsom must be signed by October 12.
“Designing the Diwali as a formal state holiday not only recognizes the religious and historical importance of the festival, but will better enable the entire Indian diaspora and beyond to participate in one of the oldest religious holidays in the world.”
Diwali celebrates in five days, marking the beginning of the New Year in the Indian calendar. Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated after the last harvest of Indians and Indians among Indians in October or November.
The celebration revolves around commemorating the goddess of prosperity and enrichment, Lakshmi.
Participants invited the goddess to enter and bless their houses, businesses, temples and other public places, and placed a row of lights in these areas. India American Foundation.
This is also a time to recognize important relationships, which is why celebrations include visits with family, friends and others in the community and exchange of gifts or candy.
Diwali will begin on October 20 this year.
Shakeel Syed, executive director of Southern California South Asia Network, said that if the bill is passed, the bill is another step towards the recognition of the Hindu community, often the South Asian community, usually the annual religious event.
“This is certainly acknowledgement and representation of the second and third generations of this diaspora [so they can] Feel part of society, not hyphen, especially in schools and universities. ” said Sed.
California has the largest South Asian population in the United States, and Los Angeles is home to the fourth largest such population in any metropolitan area, according to the South Asia Network.
Pennsylvania is the first state in the United States to designate a diwali for the official holiday in 2024. However, school government offices and businesses do not need to be closed. CBS News Report.
This year, Connecticut is the second time to add events to its official holiday list.
The New Jersey Department of Education allows students to observe Diwali, which means they can celebrate in class. In New York City, public schools are closed at Diwali, an educational law, Developed in 2023.
“These moves do negate and mitigate the general notion that immigrants are perpetual foreigners who regard immigrants as the country, just because of their color or language,” Said said. “So I commend the California Legislature for conveying the message that we are an immigrant country to this country, so we can celebrate any way in which this aspect is good for everyone.”
