Houston temples deck up for Diwali

HariSumiran Mandir organized a grand annkoot (mountain of food) offering prepared by community devotee volunteers in the mandir.

“Deep-awlee Mahotsav” decorated by HTW (Hindu Temple of Woodland), new theme every year / Image- Arun Mundra

Various temples in Metro Houston welcomed Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, during the weekend. The five-day festival will be celebrated this year on Oct. 31.

The Shri Sitaram International Dusserah Diwali; others hosted by the oldest devsthaanam Meenakshi temple; by the newest HariSumiran temple; Lakshminarayan temple run by West Indies community; “Hindu temple of Woodlands” and Bellaire Diwali were some of the main Diwali events that took place over the weekend.

Decorated Deeptsav Area Hindu Temple Woodland / Image- Arun Mundra

HariSumiran Mandir organized a grand annkoot (mountain of food) offering prepared by community devotee volunteers in the mandir. The Hindu Temple of Woodlands hosted their annual Diwali market with food stalls for around 4500 devotees. During their communication in presence of “New India Abroad”, community leaders explained how youth are being engaged as leaders in youth activities that connect them to rich tradition, and how they are taking charge in hosting community events.

Public officers attended Sitaram Diwali / Image- Arun Mundra

This year's Diwali celebrations were especially exciting because it was the first since the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was consecrated. The Shri Sitaram Foundation has installed a life-size replica of Ram Lalla in Metro Houston, which attracted thousands of devotees.

Their Diwali Shri Sitaram Foundation their special attraction RamLeela along with Mela specialists with dances, a shopping market, fireworks, food stalls, and exhibitions including decorated floats’ parade got around 12,000 people at the Epi Center stadium. Also, this year they have many special kids’ attractions.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher was the Parade Marshal, joining her in the parade’s first float were Arun Verma, County Judge KP George, Arun Mundra, Judge Julie Mathew, and India’s consul general, D.C. Manjunath. As many as 60 other decorated floats which represented various organizations of Metro Houston and mandirs participated in the parade spreading Indian culture and values.

Heemanshu providing Mandir vani & Vishwa Dharma / Image- Arun Mundra

Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a message acknowledging the efforts of the Shri Sita Ram Foundation in serving and bringing all communities together in Texas along with his Diwali greetings. Mayors, congressmen Al Green, Troy Nehls, and Collin Allred also graced the occasion.

Indian Rajyasabha MP Rajendra Gehlot of the upper parliamentary house of India, wished best wishes to Arun Verma, Shri Sitaram Foundation for its many years of activities of charity and promoting universal brotherhood through festivals like the International Dussehra Diwali festival. Also, specially thanked and congratulated Mundra for Santani activities like 90 feet Hanuman Statue of Union Rathyatra, Priest Mandirs Organizations honoring & for creating global synergy for India's rooted positive cultural activities globally including East Asia, South Asia, Africa, Gulf, UK-Europe, and North America.

Procession of Lord Krishna to Swing / Image- Arun Mundra

RamLeela Mesmerized all chief Key guests: Indian Consular General India DC Manjunath, Anantacharya Swami, Baba Satynarayan Mourya. Gehlot sent his best wishes to all performers, the Consulate General attending, dignitaries, participants, the Sitaram Foundation, and all viewers (in person or online).

Also, Gehlot appreciated Arun Mundra for globally spreading the Sanatani spirit that is through various RathYatra, priest, and Mandir organization's recognition activities or outreach, as he has been spreading Sanatani and other progressive Indian values-related aspects for decades.