‘Zero intention to blend in’: Texas family sparks controversy as housewarming welcomes ‘gau mata’ home; Indians say it’s better than an alcoholic party

A video of two cows patrolling a new house on the occasion of a housewarming has caught the attention of India-hating commentators in Texas, who decried “zero integration intentions.” The video was originally posted on Gaushala, Texas’ Facebook page in January of this year. The post read: “On the auspicious occasion of the housewarming (Griha Pravesh) ceremony, the family welcomes Gau Mata (cow) from Gaushala, Texas. During the housewarming ceremony, the divine presence of Gau Mata brings prosperity, protection and divine blessings to the new home.” am X handle called this mentality “prehistoric” and shared the video, which went viral amid the current anti-India climate in Texas. “When the house was brand new but the mindset was prehistoric. Welcome to Texas: buy a brand new million dollar house in the suburbs of Dallas and let the cows roam the marble floors like a barn. Zero intention of integration,” the post read, facing equal parts praise and hate for Native Americans and Indian culture.

Some social media users pointed out that it was the homeowner’s decision how to host the housewarming ceremony, while others pointed out that it was better than an alcohol-fuelled party. “We live in a strange world: moving into a new house with alcohol is called ‘modern,’ but welcoming a sacred creature – a symbol of life and livelihood – is called ‘prehistoric.’ To some, a house is just bricks and mortar. To us, it’s a temple. We didn’t just move into a space; We first invite prana (life force) into it. If Nandi is happy, the family will be blessed. ” one netizen wrote. “Oh my gosh. This is probably in a residential area. It’s not zoned agricultural, which is required for raising livestock. Why do we allow these newcomers to flaunt all our laws? We need to be louder at these zone meetings. Shame,” wrote another. Although Texas is one of India’s most populous states, hate is clearly growing, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott freezing H-1B hiring at state agencies and universities. Texas also announced an investigation into three Indian companies that had hired H-1B visa holders in the past to obtain details of those employees.