Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha Added to California's Official Holiday Calendar

The US state of California has officially included Islam's two principal religious festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, in its list of official state holidays. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the new legislation into law.

Signed on Sunday, September 27, the enactment of "Assembly Bill 2017" formally adds Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to California's official holiday calendar. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated following the fasting month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, while Eid al-Adha is observed during the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj.

Under the provisions of the new law, state public schools and community colleges will be permitted to close on these two festive days by following local governing rules and existing regulations. Furthermore, state government employees will also be eligible to receive holiday credits for these observances.

The legislation notes that recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays is primarily an administrative and calendar-based decision. Through this, the state has formally acknowledged the deep cultural and religious significance of these two festivals within California's diverse multicultural communities.