The Sri Guruvayurappan Temple in Houston marked Diwali on Oct. 31 with a celebration filled with devotion, cultural richness, and community spirit. The evening’s highlight was a special Lakshmi Pooja, where participants received Diwali gifts as blessings of prosperity.
The temple was decorated with traditional diyas and a "Kolam" (rangoli) art of Goddess Lakshmi, created with natural powders and pigments.
Arun Mundra, a prominent figure in the Sanatan Hindu community and advocate for Hindu empowerment, attended the event as a special guest. He spoke about the importance of promoting Sanatan Dharma and the role of the World Hindu Council in spreading these values. He emphasized the significance of uniting communities through religious events and cultural exchange, which align with the broader mission of strengthening Hindu heritage worldwide.
Goddess Lakshmi Pooja and Diwali decoration at Shri Guruvayurappan mandir / Arun MundraOther local temples also observed Diwali with prayers and rituals. Shri Krishna Vrundavan Mandir hosted a traditional Diwali Pooja, performed at an auspicious time by a priest from the Sujanana Religious Krishna Vrundavan Foundation. Chanting of mantras and shlokas accompanied the pooja. Devotees, including families and children, participated with devotion, learning the significance of the Diwali rituals and offering prayers for prosperity and well-being.
Several other temples in Houston also celebrated Diwali with fervor and devotion, including the Pashupati Nath Ji Mandir, SayumyaKasi Sivalaya, and the newly established Ashthalakshmi Mandir. The latter recently unveiled a 90-foot statue of Abhay Hanuman as part of its Praan Pratishthaa ceremony. Arun Mundra played a key role in organizing the Rath Yatra for the Abhay Hanuman Mandir, bringing together various local temples and uniting the Hindu community across the greater Houston area.
Shri Krishna Vrundavan Mandir Diwali. / Arun Mundra
In his address, Mundra emphasized the global reach of the Sanatan Hindu community, noting how the synergy created by such events contributes to strengthening Hindu unity not only in Houston but also across regions such as East Asia, South Asia (including Nepal and India), the Gulf, the UK, Europe, and Africa (Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania). He expressed hope that the Diwali celebrations in Houston would inspire similar religious and cultural exchanges around the world, contributing to the growth of Sanatan Dharma globally.
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