Bill to recognize new state holiday heads to Gov. Newsom

California is one step closer to adding another official holiday to its calendar. The California Legislature has passed AB 268, introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), which would designate Diwali as an official state holiday. Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains worldwide. Celebrants light small oil lamps, place them around the home, and pray for health, knowledge, and peace. The word “Diwali” is a shortened version of the Sanskrit term “Deepavali,” which means “a row of lamps.” “Designating Diwali as an official state holiday not only recognizes the...