Connecticut Becomes Second U.S. State to Recognize Diwali as a State Holiday
Connecticut has officially made Diwali a state holiday under law, becoming the second U.S. state to do so after Pennsylvania.
Governor Ned Lamont signed SB 1519/PA 25-59 into law, which designates the 15th day of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar each year as Diwali.
The law, passed unanimously by both houses of the Connecticut legislature, ensures that Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Jains in the state will receive religious accommodations in schools and workplaces to observe Diwali.
This recognition takes effect October 1, 2025, just in time for this year's Diwali celebrations.
👉 Learn more about Diwali — its history, meaning, and how it’s celebrated — in our full article.
