Diwali 2025 USA Holiday Declared—Which States Celebrate & When to Perform Lakshmi Puja
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is no longer just an Indian celebration—it’s now a growing cultural moment across the United States. With millions of Indian-Americans calling the U.S. home, Diwali 2025 is set to be one of the most widely recognized Hindu festivals in American history. From New York to California, states are stepping up to honor this vibrant tradition with official holidays, school closures, and community events.
Let’s explore which U.S. states have declared Diwali a public holiday, the exact Lakshmi Puja timings across time zones, and how this ancient festival is lighting up American hearts.
Diwali 2025 Date in USA: When Is It Celebrated?
Diwali 2025 will be celebrated on October 20, aligning with Amavasya Tithi, which continues until the morning of October 21. Despite time zone differences, the date remains consistent nationwide.
Lakshmi Puja Muhurat by Region:
- New York & East Coast: 7:17 PM to 8:45 PM EST
- Pacific Coast (California, Washington): 7:38 PM to 9:01 PM PST
- Mountain Time Zone (Colorado, Utah): 4:40 PM to 6:41 PM MST
- Midwest (Chicago, Illinois): Diwali celebrations peak on October 20 evening
These timings are crucial for families performing Lakshmi Puja, the most sacred ritual of Diwali night.
Diwali Declared a Public Holiday: Which US States Made History?
In a landmark move, California became the first West Coast state to officially declare Diwali a state holiday, joining the ranks of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
California’s Diwali Law: AB 268 Explained
On October 6, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 268, recognizing Diwali as a state holiday effective January 1, 2026. The law mandates:
- Closure of public schools and community institutions
- Paid time off for state employees
- Cultural awareness campaigns across districts
Who Supported the Bill?
- Ash Kalra and Darshana Patel, Indian-American lawmakers
- Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA)
- Thousands of Indian-American families and advocacy groups
Kalra called the bill “a breakthrough for cultural inclusion,” while Newsom praised it for “educating Californians about Diwali’s message of light over darkness.”
School Closures & Paid Leave: Diwali’s Growing Recognition
While not all states offer paid holidays, many allow school districts to close or offer optional leave. For example:
- New York City public schools will remain closed on Diwali
- Texas districts like Plano ISD and Frisco ISD offer cultural leave
- New Jersey continues its tradition of recognizing Diwali in school calendars
This growing recognition reflects the festival’s emotional and spiritual importance to Indian-American communities.
Diwali Celebrations Across US Cities: Geo-Targeted Highlights
Here’s how major cities are celebrating Diwali 2025:
| City | Celebration Highlights |
|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Navy Pier fireworks, temple pujas |
| San Jose, CA | Community rangoli contests, AB 268 awareness |
| Houston, TX | ISKCON temple puja, Indian food festivals |
| Edison, NJ | Cultural parades, school closures |
| Seattle, WA | Light shows, South Asian dance performances |
Why Diwali Matters in the US: Cultural Impact & Economic Boost
Diwali isn’t just a religious event—it’s a cultural and economic phenomenon. With over 4 million Indian-Americans, the festival drives:
- Retail sales in ethnic markets and jewelry stores
- Tourism around temples and cultural centers
- Community bonding through food, music, and lights
Major brands like Walmart, Amazon, and Target now run Diwali campaigns, offering discounts on traditional wear, sweets, and décor.
🔗 External Links for Reference (Add after keyword phase)
- Coalition of Hindus of North America
- California Assembly Bill AB 268
- NYC Department of Education Calendar
