US Judge Strikes Down Part of California's Diwali Law

A California judge has struck down portions of the state's landmark Diwali holiday law, less than a year after the state became the third in the U.S. to officially recognize the festival, according to the Hindu American Foundation (HAF).

The law, Assembly Bill 268, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in October 2025 and took effect January 1, 2026. It did not mandate a paid holiday for all workers but let eligible state employees take paid leave and gave public schools and community colleges discretion to close for the festival.

HAF said the court's ruling targeted the law's language describing Diwali's religious significance, not its practical goal of letting students and employees observe the holiday without choosing between faith and obligations. The group called the decision a setback for California's recognition of its Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist communities, but noted the ruling did not challenge that underlying purpose.

HAF said it is monitoring the case and remains committed to protecting Hindu Americans' right to observe Diwali. No word yet on a possible appeal.

🚨 Breaking| A California judge has overturned the state’s Diwali holiday law.

Last October, Hindu Americans celebrated a historic milestone when California recognized Diwali as an official state holiday, a meaningful step toward acknowledging the traditions and contributions of… pic.twitter.com/rA5j30v2vk

— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) July 23, 2026