HOUSTON — For Diwali celebrations in Harris County, an extra flare is being added to the festivities this year.
In September, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved fireworks sales for Diwali -- the “Festival of Lights” -- celebrated by many Indian communities and religious groups, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains.
Texas state lawmakers approved a bill in 2023 to allow counties to include Diwali as a fireworks-eligible holiday.
Fireworks went on sale on Oct. 25 and will continue until midnight on Nov. 1. TOPDOG Fireworks has opened four Houston-area stores for Diwali.
TOPDOG spokesperson Sue Davis said the company is excited for an additional revenue source instead of solely relying on the Fourth of July and New Year.
“It’s great to have another season and be able to provide the fireworks to the Diwali, the Hindu community out here,” Davis said. “It’s important, I know, to the Diwali community, because fireworks are a big part of that celebration.”
Davis is reminding residents that fireworks are prohibited within city limits. She is also urging customers to be mindful of the burn ban that is currently in effect in Harris County due to dry conditions.
“It’s really much more important now that you follow the commonsense rules, like shoot on open level ground, don’t aim at buildings and vegetation, and for gosh sakes do not put hot fireworks in your garbage can,” Davis said.
The Houston Fire Department sent KHOU 11 News the following statement regarding fireworks use during Diwali:
“It is illegal to use fireworks in the City of Houston any time of year. Especially in these drought conditions we are currently facing, we encourage everyone to practice fire safety and celebrate carefully and please do not use fireworks in the city."
Residents should report all complaints regarding the illegal use of fireworks directly to the HPD non-emergency line at 713-884-3131. If the citizen believes that there may be a fire and/or medical emergency related to the use of fireworks, they should dial 9-1-1 and request HFD.
Members of the Indian community said they are making safety a top priority, adding that they have been waiting to use fireworks during Diwali celebrations in the Houston area. Tomball resident Ravi Gorthi took his son and nephew with him to purchase fireworks at a TOPDOG Fireworks location Saturday.
“Very exciting. This is a big change in Texas. I’ve been in Houston for 20 years. This is probably the first time that stores have been open for this,” Gorthi said. “It is a celebration of life, and definitely, the fact that the acceptance of Diwali in the U.S. is something which is really exciting to hear, and it’s good to see that Texas is opened up its doors.”
Also for the first time, the Memorial Park Conservancy hosted its first Diwali event at Memorial Park Saturday night. The event is part of a four-part series called Live at Live Oak.
Organizers said more than 600 people attended the Diwali event which included live music, free food and other fun activities.
“I immigrated here about 35 years ago, but from a City of Houston perspective, it shines a big light on this diversity, the diverse community. And I’m excited that we’re able to do this,” Memorial Park Conservancy Board of Directors member Dhiren Shethia said. “It’s like Christmas. It’s a Hindu Christmas, if you will.”
At the event, various vendors served up tasty treats. That included Raja Sweets, which provided free samples of delicious Indian deserts to attendees.
“Sweets are a special part of Diwali, so people exchange sweets with each other. It’s the best gift to give a family member, or a neighbor, or a doctor,” Raja Sweets CEO Sharan Gahunia said.
There are more Diwali events planned for the Houston area over the next week. The official celebration is on Oct. 31.