Sugar Land, Texas, USA: The October 4 celebration became one of the largest gatherings for Diwali-Dussehra in the United States.
The 14th International Diwali-Dussehra Festival, organized by the Shri Sita Ram Foundation, took place at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas.
On October 4, the ballpark welcomed over 9,000 attendees, marking the festival as one of the largest Diwali-Dussehra events in the nation.
“I feel honored that we could share the rich heritage of our ancient civilization not just with the Indian community but also with all other groups in the Greater Houston area, highlighting our culture, values, and sense of unity,” said Arun Verma, founder of the Shri Sita Ram Foundation.
Guests explored the spacious concourse, visiting more than 50 stalls, cultural displays, and activity zones. The open layout ensured that attendees could enjoy live performances on the stage while walking through the event.
“My favorite moment was seeing the joy and pride on attendees’ faces,” Arun Verma added. “People mentioned that events like this make them feel proud to be Indian, and to follow Hindu traditions.”
Gopal Aggarwal, one of the organizers, highlighted the months of planning behind the festival. “Children in the audience were thrilled watching the parade floats and even expressed a desire to participate next year. It’s uplifting to witness such enthusiasm from the younger generation.”
For many locals, including those not of Indian origin, the festival offers a chance to experience Hindu traditions. Arun Verma noted that numerous non-Indian families attend annually, appreciating the cultural experiences in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Ashish Sharma, a Sugar Land resident and volunteer, said, “Hundreds of volunteers contribute to this festival. I arrived early to help decorate the floats, which represented Vedic education and included depictions of the Vedas through the Arya Samaj float.”
A Spectacular Parade
A signature feature of the festival is the grand parade around Constellation Field.
“The first time we took Ram and Sita in a pickup truck around the stadium in 2012, the crowd applauded,” Arun Verma recalled. “That inspired the idea of inviting other organizations to create floats and start a full-fledged parade.”
This year, 37 floats joined the procession, along with music and dance performances from local cultural groups. The parade also celebrated the community’s love for cricket, showcasing both the national team and the sport’s cultural impact.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham and Consul General of India in Houston, DC Manjunath, served as parade marshals this year.
“Diwali celebrates light overcoming darkness and knowledge triumphing over ignorance,” Buckingham said. “We appreciate your effort in sharing this beautiful tradition with our community.”
DC Manjunath compared the festival’s theme of good overcoming evil to Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that just as virtue prevails in the story of Diwali, society must confront and defeat real-world threats such as terrorism.
About the Shri Sita Ram Foundation
Established in 2012 by Arun and Vinni Verma, the Shri Sita Ram Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting the social and cultural welfare of the Indian community in the U.S.
The foundation has been organizing the International Diwali-Dussehra Festival for 14 years, establishing it as one of the most prominent Diwali events in the country.
“The Ram Leela stage performances began in 2008 to educate the Indian diaspora,” Arun Verma explained. “Later, we expanded into a large-scale Diwali-Dussehra festival to share our culture widely. Diwali was introduced at the Texas Governor’s Mansion in 2015, and by 2019 we were inviting international consulates.”
Several elected officials and dignitaries attended, while others sent representatives. Governor Greg Abbott shared a recorded message, saying, “Thank you to the Shri Sita Ram Foundation for promoting values like faith and family and supporting our community. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. We celebrated by lighting a Diwali lamp at the Governor’s mansion.”
Special guest Baba Satyanarayan Maurya, a spiritual leader and artist, impressed the audience by painting an image of Bajrangbali Hanuman live on stage, followed by a speech encouraging attendees to confront modern-day “Ravans” such as pollution and terrorism.
The Ram Leela play, dramatizing the Diwali story, was performed in English at this year’s event. The theme highlighted the Maha Kumbh festival held earlier this year.
Geetha Ravula, emcee and representative of Hindus of Greater Houston, said, “Our performance by Ashirwad – A Blessing, focused on the spiritual essence of Maha Kumbh. The dedication of over 1,000 volunteers and participants was inspiring. Diwali is not only a celebration but a deeply rooted cultural tradition honoring the triumph of good over evil.”
The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and the traditional burning of Ravan’s effigy, eliciting cheers as the effigy’s head dramatically fell.
