India’s culture illuminates the city this October through their “festival of lights,” symbolizing good overcoming evil. Houston is known for its vast Indian community that will be brought together through the festival. Students, families, and residents are welcome to visit whether identifying with the culture or merely learning about Indian heritage.
Diwali (Deepvali, meaning “row of lights”) is a widely celebrated festival in South Asia, especially in India. The holiday is rooted in Hindu traditions, but it also recognized by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, each attaching their own cultural and religious significance to the festival. Serving as pride for Indian identity and culture, the practice is followed by rituals like cleaning and decorating homes, buying clothes, exchanging sweets, and lighting oil lamps — akin to Christmas in the west
On Oct. 5, Houston’s India House will transform into a vibrant bazaar with stalls of food, fashion, and festivities.The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5 from 11-2 p.m. at the India House (8888 W. Bellfort Ave). The celebration is open to the community with free attendance.
Similar to a traditional bazaar, there will be vendors and stalls selling jewelry, Indian dresses, and handicrafts marked by authenticity. Come with an appetite as an aromatic variety of foods will be sold such as samosas, jalebi, and laddus.
Alongside the food there will be live music and dance, enrapturing listeners with rhythmic thumping of the Dhol, a traditional two-headed drum. Henna booths, bounce houses, and a petting zoo accommodate younger participants to appreciate the festival. Draped in bright colors, traditional clothing, and the essence of Indian street food floating through the air — the bazaar is a feast for the senses.
Here at UHD, it is a chance for Indian students to reconnect with their roots and traditions. In contrast, non-Indian students are presented with the opportunity to learn about another culture in an accessible way. Events like this showcase Houston’s identity as one of the most multicultural cities in America.
Whether you go for the food, the shopping, or just to soak in the atmosphere, the bazaar promises to light up your Sunday.
