Archive · 22 Aug 2026
California Assembly Adopts Resolution Honoring Diwali and Indian Americans
California’s State Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing Diwali.
Diwali is also called Deepavali and means “a row of lamps.”
The resolution recognizes the festival’s importance to Indian Americans and South Asian Americans.
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains celebrate it.
This year’s Diwali festival is recognized on November 8.
The resolution encourages Californians to join the celebrations.
It says the lamps represent darkness being defeated by light.
Diwali is also a time for families and communities to gather, reflect and share traditions.
The resolution connects the festival with kindness, wisdom, growth and happiness.
California’s State Assembly adopted House Resolution 137 recognizing this year’s Diwali festival on November 8.
The resolution expresses the Assembly’s “deepest respect” for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora.
Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra introduced the measure on August 13.
The resolution recognizes Diwali as significant to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain communities.
It describes Diwali as a celebration of light, unity, generosity, reflection and the triumph of good over evil.
- Who
- California’s State Assembly, with Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra introducing the measure.
- What
- The Assembly adopted House Resolution 137 recognizing Diwali and expressing respect for Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora.
- When
- The measure was introduced on August 13, and this year’s Diwali is recognized on November 8.
- Where
- California, with recognition extending to Indian Americans and the Indian diaspora in the state and around the world.
- Why
- To recognize Diwali’s significance and encourage Californians to participate in its celebrations.
- Resolution
- House Resolution 137
- Festival date
- November 8
- Introduced by
- Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra
- Meaning of Diwali
- “A row of lamps”
- Recognized communities
- Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains
- Core themes
- Unity, generosity, joy, reflection, wisdom and kindness
- Symbolism
- The defeat of darkness and the victory of light