Statement from Hindus for Human Rights on Hate-Fueled Anti-Diwali Protests in Texas

We are outraged by the hateful demonstration staged by the far-right group Take Action Texas in Irving, where masked protesters carried signs calling Hindu deities “foreign demons” and describing Diwali as “garbage.”

This was not a protest — it was religious bigotry and xenophobia aimed at intimidating a community of color celebrating a festival of light and renewal.

The language and imagery used — desecrating Hindu symbols while proclaiming religious supremacy — reflect a rising tide of Christian nationalist extremism that targets immigrants and communities of faith alike: Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jews, and others. In moments like these, it bears remembering that Christianity too was brought here by immigrants, to a land already home to diverse Indigenous spiritual traditions. The founders’ commitment to no established religion was meant to protect a plurality of faiths — a principle now being trampled by those who would impose their crude vision of belief on an entire nation.

As Hindus for Human Rights, we stand with our community and all who are targeted by hate. True Hinduism teaches ahimsa (nonviolence), sarva dharma sambhava (respect for all faiths), and vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family). These values reject hatred in every form.

We urge civic and religious leaders in Texas and beyond to denounce this incident clearly, to protect the safety and dignity of all people of faith, and to stand for a vision of America where every community can celebrate freely without fear.

The light of Diwali reminds us that truth and compassion endure — even when hatred seeks the shadows.

#HindusForHumanRights #StopHate #ReligiousFreedom #Diwali #Solidarity #Texas #Interfaith