Washington, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
California’s State Assembly has adopted a resolution recognising Diwali and expressing its “deepest respect” for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora in the state and across the world.
House Resolution 137 recognises Diwali, which will be celebrated this year on November 8, and encourages Californians to participate in the festival’s celebrations. Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra introduced the resolution on August 13, following which it was considered by the Assembly Committee on Rules before being adopted.
The measure received support from a broad group of co-authors from across the State Assembly.
The Hindu American Foundation welcomed the adoption, announcing on social media that California’s Diwali resolution had been officially adopted. The organisation thanked Patel and Kalra for their leadership and said Patel’s office had consulted the foundation while drafting the resolution.
The resolution describes Diwali as a festival of profound significance to Indian American and South Asian American communities. It notes that Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains celebrate the festival annually in the US and around the world.
Also known as Deepavali, Diwali means “a row of lamps”, according to the resolution. It describes the festival as one of the world’s oldest holidays and highlights its role in bringing families, friends and communities together.
The Assembly resolution identifies generosity, unity, joy, appreciation and reflection as key elements of the festival. It says the lighting of lamps symbolises “the defeat of darkness and the victory of light”.
The measure further recognises Diwali as an occasion for families to come together and observe traditions that strengthen community bonds. It notes that various Diwali traditions reflect the triumph of good over evil while emphasising positivity, humility, kindness and the overcoming of personal challenges.
The resolution also acknowledges that Diwali marks the beginning of a new year for some communities and will be celebrated this year across the Indian American and South Asian American diaspora.
“For those who celebrate, Diwali is a time to commit to knowledge, growth, and happiness,” the resolution states.
It further describes the festival as an opportunity for reflection and highlights the values of wisdom, kindness and transformation.
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