How do you celebrate Diwali in Houston?

With one of the most important Indian holidays coming up, KUHF News wants to learn about your Diwali story. Has the way that you've celebrated Diwali changed over the years, perhaps because of your age, where you live or level of faith?

Is there a way the celebration has a particular Texas or Houston identity to it? In one of the city's with the largest Indian populations in the country, we want to hear about what the holiday means to you, and how you celebrate it in Houston.

We're planning to air a radio story the week of the holiday, so our reporting will have to happen before the festivities begin. A reporter may get in touch with you for further details.

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If you were explaining Diwali in one sentence to someone who doesn't know about the holiday, how would you describe it? You don't have to include the official textbook definition, but write what initially comes to mind.

Are there specific traditions that you like the best? Describe them. What do they mean to you?

Are there any sounds that stick out to you about Diwali? Any songs, any popular cultural references?

Do you have Diwali-related recipes or photos that you're willing share. We can post it to our website. A reporter may follow-up with you.

Yes

Have you celebrated Diwali in other cities, other states, other countries? How do the festivities here in Houston compare? Are the festivities more grand, more scattered, more intimate? Is there a specific moment you remember to illustrate your point? Stories always help.

Has there been any cultural fusion with the holiday? How has Diwali become Americanized or become a fusion between Texan and Indian?

Are there certain things that you buy for the holiday? Are there certain stores that will be busy? What are good ones to go to? What will people mostly be buying?

Is there anything special about Diwali celebrations this year? Is something happening for the first time in Houston? Is there a way the holiday has changed because of the economy, the price of gold, the closeness to Thanksgiving, or anything else?

Anything else you want to share? Is there anyone that we should really talk to?

In order to better understand your perspective, please share some further information about yourself. None of these are required and your responses will only be seen by reporters in the newsroom.
What faith tradition, if any, do you belong to?

What race or ethnicity are you?

In what year were you born?

Thanks for sharing your experiences about Diwali in Houston. Please feel free to share these questions by clicking the Tweet or Recommend buttons above with fellow Houstonians to share their insights as well.

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