Katy Area Counties Sell Fireworks, Celebrate Diwali; Here’s What You Need to Know

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

October 30, 2024

By Natalie Cook Clark

Katy is comprised of three counties: Fort Bend County, Harris County and Waller County. All three counties have approved the sale of fireworks for the first time this year in advance of the Hindu holiday of Diwali. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the holiday that focuses of the ‘Festival of Lights’ and service.

Diwali is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families celebrate this holiday, that is known as “Festival of Lights” with fireworks and service projects. For the first time, Katy area counties have authorized the sale of fireworks for the holiday.

Texas is now part of several states that have proclaimed October as “Hindu Heritage Month.” Along with this proclamation, Katy area counties have authorized the sale of fireworks ahead of the holiday for the first time.

While firework sales are allowed, Katy residents must still know their area firework laws.

Understand Your Area’s Laws

City of Katy - Fireworks are strictly forbidden inside the City of Katy limits.

Unincorporated County Areas - Fireworks are legal in unincorporated county areas in Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller (outside of Katy proper) unless there is a fire ban and as long as the fireworks used are legal and set off in a safe place.

Legal vs. Illegal Fireworks

So what is a "legal firework?" Most fireworks purchased from certified and licensed fireworks stands are legal.

Residents are warned not to purchase fireworks from a vendor selling fireworks out of a back of a pickup truck or on the side of road "Please use common sense," explains Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell. "If your fireworks have an extra boom from others then something may not be right."

While Diwali is known as the “Festival of Lights,” hence the firework celebrations, it is also about service and making a difference in the community.

“‘Sewa Diwali’ is an inspiring initiative that exemplifies the essence of selfless service, known as "sewa," especially during the Diwali festivities,” explains Kirti Rathod with Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS). 

HSS Launched Sewa Diwali in 2018 in New Jersey, it has rapidly expanded, now reaching 32 states and over 200 cities across the United States, including the Greater Houston area.

‘In the Greater Houston Area, 15 Hindu organizations have united, demonstrating the strength of community spirit through food drives and the hard work of thousands of volunteers and donors holding food drives till November 8th, 2024,” says Rathod. “So far, they have gathered more than 3,000 pounds of food to support local organizations like Family Hope Fulshear, Hope Impacts, Houston Food Bank and more.”

According to HSS, Diwali typically lasts five days and includes various rituals and celebrations, such as lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with colorful patterns made from colored powders (rangoli), and performing prayers (pooja) to deities like Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Many Katy and Fulshear residential communities are holding the SewaDiwali Food Drive booths like Elyson, Cedar Grove, Pine Mills Ranch, Tamarron, Cross Creek Ranch, and many more.

Rathod says that HIndu households are taught that, “service to humanity is service to divinity.”

“The united efforts of the thousands who donated and volunteered have brightened the lives of many, dispelling their darkness,” says Rathod. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone in the Katy, Fulshear community for making this a reality!”

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