Indian Festivity in Full Swing
Just as we are wrapping up the Halloween celebrations and other fun activities, October and November mark the two big festivals for Indians: Diwali and Dusherra. The festivals mark the battle of good over evil and the ‘festival of lights’. 
Each year Houston hosts many events for its large Indian American population to celebrate these festivals.
The much talked about event this year is Sugar Land’s Dussehra Mela (mela meaning fair) at the city’s Constellation Field on November 4, 2012 from 3-9pm. The city’s growing diverse community made Constellation Field the perfect venue choice for the celebration’s planners. This is a family-friendly event open to the entire Houston community, and event organizers welcome many from outside the Indian community to participate and learn about Indian culture.
“This is a festival to celebrate one of the Indian epics,” said Dr. Nik Nikam of the Sugar Land Heart Center. “The whole thing involves songs, dances and the story of the epic. It ends with the burning of the demon statues, which are around 15-20 feet tall.” Activities include a children’s costume contest, vendor and food booths, a stage on the field will be set up to showcase dancers, and there will be a fireworks display at the end. 
Many area elected officials are expected at the event, including mayors and council members from Houston, Stafford and Sugar Land, the Consul General of India and the chancellor of the University of Houston System are all expected to attend the event.
The best part of this event is that it is only $3, and one can get great exposure to the Indian community for the Fort Bend area. Visitors can attend the event in regular clothes or Indian ethnic wear.
For more information call 713-248-5784. Tickets are $3 and are available online at www.shrisitaram.org.
Diwali is the biggest celebration for Indians. It’s Christmas Time for Indians as we decorate our homes with light, exchange presents and wear colorful outfits.
Diwali Mela – festival of lights 2012 hosted by Masala Radio is scheduled to be an entertainment filled Diwali Gala event on November 10, 2012 at Sugar Land Skeeters Stadium, 6PM to 12AM. For more information visit: HoustonDiwaliMela.com.
