California officially recognizes Diwali as a state holiday under new law

California on Tuesday became the third US state to designate Indian festival – Diwali – as an official statewide holiday.

According to Associated Press, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill on Diwali into law. The bill will come into effect on January 1.

As per the law, the state employees will be able to take the day off and public school students will get an excused absence to celebrate the holiday.