ADVERTISEMENTs
Dallas passes resolution to celebrate Diwali
The resolution ceremony was attended by almost 80 Indians and Hindus.
-
Nitu Singhal - Wed, 22, Oct 2025
- 00:57 EDT
- 20
Dallas county officials with community members / Handout: Nitu Singhal
Dallas County Commissioners Elba Garcia and Andrew Sommerman passed a resolution on Oct.21 morning, consenting to celebrate the spirit of Diwali through community empowerment, public service and cultural performance, interface gatherings that strengthen unity and understanding across Dallas.
The resolution ceremony which was attended by almost 80 Indians and Hindus included people from organizations such as South Asian American Voter Empowerment Texas Education Fund (SAAVETXEF) and Swaminarayan Temple BAPS in Irving.
Inviting all the people who came to celebrate Diwali in the city county office to come to the forefront, Commissioner Garcia said, “Diwali also know as Deepavali, is the festival of lights, and symbolizes the victory of good over evil and Diwali is a five days festival that is celebrated the week of October 25th this year.”
She continued to narrate the story of Lord Rama and his return to his home after 14 days of exile and marks the day in particular as the beginning of New Year celebration among Hindus. “People decorate their homes with lights and rangoli and worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity” highlighted Garcia.
She further announced that Diwali also celebrated in Nepal as Tihar, where they worship crows, dogs and cows and continue the celebrations with their traditional folk dancing, finally ending with a Tikka tradition of brothers and sisters. For Sikhs, they celebrate as the Mughal emperor released Guru Hargobind Singh from captivity and singing devotional songs.
ALSO READ: Governor McKee joins FIA Diwali celebration in Rhode Island
Following her, Dallas Commissioner Andrew Sommerman said, “Jains celebrate Diwali as it marks the anniversary of Nirvana or liberation of Mahavira and is celebrated by fasting, singing hymns and chanting mantras. Whereas for some Buddhists, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the day of King Ashoka, and converted to Buddhism and is celebrated by decorating temples with clay lamps and worshiping Buddha.”
Sommerman continued to appreciate how over a billion population celebrates Diwali by coming together. “Whereas in Dallas County, Diwali is celebrated by a vibrant south Asian community including organizations such as South Asian American Voter Empowerment (SAAVE), BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Dallas, and Radha and Kalachandji Temple of Dallas,” said Sommerman.
Founder of SAAVE, a non-profit organization, Chanda Parbhoo gave the closing remarks saying she really appreciates the Dallas County for giving this recognition to the south Asian community highlighting how these celebrations have been quietly celebrated behind closed doors when she came to this country about 48 years ago. She is proud to say that now Diwali is a flickering flame celebrated in grand venues making Texas the second largest south Asian population in US.
Dallas County Commissioners Elba Garcia and Andrew Sommerman passed the resolution / Nitu Singhal
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login