As anti-Hindu sentiment grows in Texas, many within the Indian American community are rethinking their public celebrations of traditional festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, balancing cultural expression with concerns for safety and community relations.
DALLAS (RNS) — For nearly 15 years, Seema Ashar has opened her home in Irving, Texas, to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival honoring the Hindu deity known for removing obstacles. This year, however, the atmosphere surrounding the celebration feels markedly different. The rise of anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant sentiment across Texas has prompted some members of the Indian American community to consider more discreet ways to observe the festival.
Hindus worldwide celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, which typically occurs in August or September, as a time to welcome Ganesh into their homes and communities. The festival is characterized by vibrant decorations, communal prayers, and rituals that vary by region. Yet, as tensions have escalated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area—home to the second-largest Indian American population in the United States—some community members are opting for quieter, more private celebrations.
Changing Dynamics in a Growing Community
The Dallas-Fort Worth region has seen a significant increase in its Indian American population, largely attributed to the booming technology and healthcare sectors. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 270,000 Indian Americans reside in the area, with substantial populations in cities like Frisco, Allen, and Plano. This influx has sparked debates within local city councils about the establishment of new temples and businesses catering to the Indian community, leading to a rise in anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Online platforms have become a breeding ground for anti-Hindu sentiment, with far-right content creators launching aggressive campaigns alleging fraud related to H-1B visas, often targeting recent Indian immigrants. These creators have been known to confront individuals in predominantly Indian neighborhoods, labeling them as “H-1B scammers.” Reports from advocacy groups, such as Stop AAPI Hate, indicate that online harassment directed at South Asians has surged, with incidents increasing by 109% from 2023 to 2025.
Calls for Caution and Community Response
Amid this climate, Suraj Randheer, a Dallas-based Indian immigrant and content creator, has urged members of the community to scale back their celebrations. “The attacks are real, they’re happening and it’s just a matter of time before they transition from online to offline,” he stated. While Randheer condemns the racist discourse contributing to fear within the Hindu community, he also emphasizes the importance of adhering to local noise ordinances during festive events.
Traditionally, Ganesh Chaturthi concludes with the immersion of the deity’s idol into a body of water, symbolizing Ganesh’s return to his heavenly abode. However, Randheer raised concerns about the environmental impact of using non-biodegradable materials in these rituals, which he believes further perpetuates negative stereotypes about Indian Americans.
Rohit Chopra, a professor at Santa Clara University who studies the intersection of media, Hindu nationalism, and online extremism, echoed these sentiments, noting a troubling rise in hostility towards South Asian communities in the U.S. He attributes this trend to fringe right-wing influencers gaining mainstream traction, compounded by insufficient regulation from social media platforms. “There’s this tremendous fear and anxiety, and there’s also a sense of not knowing what to do because it (has) come as a shock to these sections of the community, so they don’t have a strategy,” Chopra explained.
Festival Adjustments and Traditional Practices
As the Ganesh Chaturthi festival approached this year, many within the Indian community received warnings about potential backlash against public celebrations. Social media platforms were inundated with messages advising against large group gatherings in public spaces. One widely shared post cautioned individuals to celebrate privately at home, reflecting a growing apprehension about public displays of cultural heritage.
Sravya Tadepalli, executive director of Hindus for Human Rights, emphasized that the right to religious practice should not be hindered by fear. However, she acknowledged that some community members justifiably worry that large processions could attract unwelcome attention. This concern has sparked an ongoing debate within the diaspora about the appropriateness of public celebrations versus more private observances.
Guna Raj, a retired physician who immigrated to Texas in 1987, expressed her shock at the recent escalation of anti-South Asian sentiment. While she reminisced about her vibrant festival celebrations in India, she now believes that large public displays may be inappropriate, regardless of religious affiliation. “Religion is something that should be personal and private,” she stated, advocating for a more subdued approach to public celebrations.
Community Sentiment and Future Prospects
Amidst these challenges, community members like Abhijit Sohani remain committed to preserving cultural traditions. At a Ganesh Chaturthi festival held at Memorial High School in Frisco, which included a procession and live music, Sohani noted that despite securing the necessary permits, the event received noise complaints. “A couple of years ago, it was really healthy and growing, but it is reduced, so possibly people are reacting to that news by being more careful,” he said.
The evolving landscape of community dynamics in the Dallas area presents both challenges and opportunities for Indian Americans. As they navigate the complexities of cultural identity and public expression in an increasingly polarized environment, many are left rethinking how to celebrate traditions that have long been a source of pride and community cohesion.
