A recent celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in a car park in Texas has aroused online mixed reactions. The event, which was held outside Bazaar India in Lewisville, Texas, in the United States, presented drummers playing festive music to mark the occasion. A video of the celebration, shared on X by Avi Dandiya, underlined the rally and sparked a heated debate.
In his article, Dandiya expressed her frustration, describing the event as “public nuisance”. He criticized the use of a commercial car park for religious festivities, marking local authorities and the police in the post. He stressed that there are enough temples in the region for such celebrations and that public spaces should not be used for religious rallies. Dandiya’s words have raised concerns concerning the growing trend of similar events in public spaces, especially among recent immigrants.
Mixed reactions on social networks
The video quickly drew attention to social networks, many users divided to the problem. Some defended the rally, seeing it as a dynamic exhibition of Indian culture and tradition in the United States. They estimated that immigrants should be able to celebrate their festivals and express their cultural pride in their new house. A user stressed that in Texas, playing music in public and having small rallies is not illegal, and the celebration should be authorized.
However, others have criticized the event, arguing that such celebrations should take place in temples or private spaces, not in commercial or public areas. Some have estimated that the rally lacked consideration for customs and local standards, which suggests that immigrants should adapt to the culture of their new country rather than bringing the traditions of their homeland.
