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2 clusters · 9 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

California religious holiday recognition efforts

Overview

The California State Assembly has taken legislative steps to recognize various religious holidays. In late August 2026, the Assembly adopted House Resolution 137, which officially recognizes November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day. The resolution expresses “deepest respect” for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora, noting the festival's significance to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain communities.

Concurrently, Assembly Bill 2017 has moved toward the Governor’s desk. This legislation aims to add the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to California’s list of state holidays. The bill would allow workers to use paid leave for these observances and establish mandatory excused absences for students. It also provides options for public schools to close for these holidays through union agreements and authorizes history lessons regarding Eid.

Entities

Gavin Newsom · Matt Haney · California · Darshana Patel · California State Assembly

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    California Assembly Bill 2017 moves to Governor's desk to recognize Islamic holidays

    California's Assembly Bill 2017, which would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as official state holidays, is headed to Governor Newsom’s desk for potential signature.

  2. 21 days ago

    [POLITICS] 7 sources
    California State Assembly adopts resolution recognizing Diwali

    The California State Assembly has passed a resolution recognizing November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day, honoring the Indian American community and the cultural significance of the festival of lights.

Sources

aajtak.com · agniban.com · californiaglobe.com · news18.com · rairfoundation.com · samacharnama.com · socialnews.xyz · tv9hindi.com · yespunjab.com