WHEREAS, Diwali, a festival of great significance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, is celebrated annually by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains throughout the United States, and across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Diwali or Deepavali, which means “a row of lamps,” is one of the world’s oldest holidays that brings families, friends, and communities together for a celebration of generosity, unity, joy, appreciation, and a time of reflection; and

WHEREAS, Diwali, commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, is a time when homes are brightened with candles, oil lanterns, and clay lamps and the skies are filled with firecrackers to show respect for good health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, Diwali holds deep significance as the lamps represent the defeat of darkness and the victory of light; Diwali is also a significant time for families to join together to enjoy the festivities and traditions that instill the idea of community for all; and

WHEREAS, Diwali is celebrated in abundantly diverse ways that represent the triumph of good over evil, connecting to themes of liberation from negativity, encouragement to overcome struggles, embracing positivity and humility, and upholding kindness despite personal challenges; and

WHEREAS, Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8 this year and will be celebrated across the diaspora of Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, marking the beginning of the New Year for many; and

WHEREAS, Diwali celebrants embrace this holiday by honoring centuries-old traditions that connect to their culture and history, such as buying jewelry, cleaning and adorning their homes, and decorating beautiful rangolis to welcome prosperity, stability, and abundance; and

WHEREAS, Traditions of sharing a meal and dancing and singing in a parade create a deep sense of community in a celebration of truth, justice, duty, and family, encapsulating the meaning of courage, justice, and standing for one’s principles to have freedom from suffering; and

WHEREAS, For those who celebrate, Diwali is a time to commit to knowledge, growth, and happiness; it is a time to reflect, signifying the importance of wisdom, kindness, and transformation; and

WHEREAS, In 2025, the State of California enacted Chapter 358 of the Statutes of 2025, designating Diwali as an official state holiday to formally recognize the cultural significance of Diwali for all Californians who celebrate, embracing the diversity that enriches our state; now, therefore, be it