As the festive season draws near, preparations for Diwali are already well underway in Houston. The Festival of Lights, which marks the start of the Hindu new year, falls on Monday, October 20—a date determined by the Hindu lunar calendar—with countless parties and events happening for weeks leading up to the day. This year, DiningOut Houston will kick off the Diwali season in fine fashion with a special celebration at Traveler’s Cart in Montrose on Thursday, October 2.
Thy Mitchell, co-founder of Traveler’s Cart and sister concept Traveler’s Table, joined forces with DiningOut’s Managing Editor Megha McSwain to host the first-time event, in collaboration with celebrated local South Asian chefs and businesses. Like the restaurant’s lively Lunar New Year celebration, held earlier this year, the evening will showcase traditional food, festivities, and entertainment in its relaxed outdoor space.
Honoring cultural holidays in this way goes hand and hand with Mitchell’s mission at Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart to foster a community where Houston’s diversity is recognized and celebrated.
“At Traveler’s Cart, we love encouraging our guests to explore different cultures through food, drink, and share experiences,” says Mitchell. “With Diwali around the corner, we’re excited to host a celebration that not only honors this vibrant tradition, but also brings together local restaurants who share our vision of cultural connection.”
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., partygoers of all ages are welcome to take to Traveler’s Cart newly designed patio to enjoy bites from Pok Pok Po Chicken, curated by chef Jassi Bindra of Kahani Social Group (Amrina, Kitchen Rumors, Bol); and mithai from Raja Sweets, showcased alongside decorative Diwali boxes and cards for gifting, while perusing wares from other local vendors.
Guests are welcome to don traditional Indian attire, and henna artists will be onsite for those who want to showcase the timeless art of mehndi on their hands. The shaded patio, lined with bamboo, will serve as a lush, natural backdrop for the festivities, reminiscent of the outdoor festivals held on the streets in India.
While the event is free to attend, all food, products, and services will be available for purchase, with Traveler’s Cart’s full menu and bar offerings also on offer. As a bonus, the restaurant will be featuring a themed cocktail called the Mumbai Old Fashioned, crafted with ghee-washed Indian whisky, garam masala syrup, cardamom bitters, lemon bitters, and lime leaf, available to guests 21 and up.
“Diwali is always a special time for me,” says the Indian-born McSwain, who has called Houston home since the late ‘80s. “Being able to share the flavors, customs, and traditions that I enjoy each year with my family in this personal and fun way, right in the heart of Montrose, makes this year feel all the more special.”
As Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, the occasion is celebrated with great ceremony by lighting diyas (oil lamps made of clay) and candles, and setting off fireworks. Come Thursday, October 2, Traveler’s Cart will be lit for the evening, with guests treated to the lighting of sparklers as Diwali greetings are exchanged into the night.
Traveler’s Cart, 1401 Montrose Blvd., Houston, travelerscart.com
