NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Sacramento, CA, July 23, 2026: The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said Thursday that a California judge has overturned the state’s law recognizing Diwali as an official state holiday, a decision the organization said challenges a landmark recognition of the Hindu festival.
In a post on X, HAF described the ruling as a setback after what it called a “historic milestone” for Hindu Americans when California officially recognized Diwali as a state holiday last year.
“Last October, Hindu Americans celebrated a historic milestone when California recognized Diwali as an official state holiday, a meaningful step toward acknowledging the traditions and contributions of the state’s Hindu community,” the organization wrote.
According to HAF, the court’s ruling focused on the wording of the legislation describing Diwali’s religious significance, rather than the law’s practical purpose of allowing students and employees to observe the festival without having to choose between their faith and their educational or professional responsibilities.
“The ruling focused on the wording of the law describing Diwali’s religious significance, rather than the practical purpose of the holiday,” HAF said in its statement.
The organization said it is monitoring the lawsuit and intends to continue supporting Hindu Americans in California.
“HAF is monitoring this lawsuit and will continue supporting Hindu Americans in California as we work to protect the ability of our community to celebrate the holidays that matter,” the statement said.
California became one of the first states to formally recognize Diwali as an official state holiday after Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation last year. The law was widely welcomed by Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities, for whom Diwali holds cultural or religious significance.
As of publication, the court order referenced by HAF had not been publicly released, and California state officials had not publicly commented on the ruling. It also remains unclear whether the decision invalidates the law in its entirety, affects only portions of the legislation, or will be appealed.
NRI Pulse will update this story as more information, including the court’s ruling and responses from state officials, becomes available.
Cover photo: BAPS Diwali celebration at the California State Capitol.
