A message urging Indians in the US to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi privately at home is circulating widely across NRI WhatsApp and Instagram groups.
The poster asks families to avoid large public gatherings, mandaps, road events, loud celebrations and idol immersions in public lakes.
The message also appeals to content creators not to post videos of group celebrations, roadside events or large gatherings.
Instead, it encourages people to celebrate peacefully with their families while following local rules and regulations.
The message appears to have emerged from growing concerns within sections of the Indian-American community over incidents involving Indians that have attracted negative attention.
Racist targeting, public confrontations and controversies around certain community activities have raised concerns that such incidents could reinforce negative perceptions about Indians among other Americans.
Against this backdrop, the appeal seems aimed at encouraging greater caution and responsibility while celebrating Indian festivals in the US.
It does not necessarily call for abandoning the tradition, but suggests moving celebrations into private spaces and avoiding activities that could create unnecessary friction with local communities.
