Indian-Origin Homeowner in Texas Asked to Remove Hindu Idol Amid Housing Market Challenges
An Indian-origin man in Celina, Texas, was advised by a realtor to remove a Lord Ganesha idol from his home to make it more appealing to potential buyers. The incident occurred amid reports of rising anti-India sentiments and stricter U.S. immigration policies affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth housing market. The homeowner, Ravi Vavilala, who moved in 2023 and faced personal challenges including a cancer diagnosis and job loss, found selling his house difficult partly due to discomfort expressed by some visitors over visible Hindu religious symbols.