On stage at J.W. Williams Middle School: Fate Police Chief Ron Winegar and Mrs. Zelphie Winegar and Forney Police Chief Carrie White are felicitated by Texas Indian Association organizers, in front of the association’s banner flanked by the U.S. and Indian flags.
Texas Indian Association hosts a joyful evening of dance, music, food and community, with Fate Police Chief Ron Winegar and his wife Zelphie Winegar and Forney Police Chief Carrie White as chief guests
ROCKWALL, Texas (Oct. 19, 2026) — The Texas Indian Association (TIA) hosted the first-ever Garba in Rockwall County, a vibrant Navratri celebration held on October 3, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at J.W. Williams Middle School, 625 Farm to Market Road 552, Rockwall, TX 75087. Families and friends from across the community came together for an evening of traditional dance, music, food and festive fellowship under the greeting “Jai Mata Di.”
A celebration shared with the wider community
Fate Police Chief Ron Winegar, accompanied by his wife, Zelphie Winegar, and Forney Police Chief Carrie White attended as chief guests, joining organizers and community members for the celebration. Their presence gave the evening a special civic touch and reflected the spirit of friendship between the Indian community and its neighbors in Rockwall County and beyond.
During the program, the chief guests were felicitated on stage, where organizers presented them with traditional shawls and mementos in front of a Texas Indian Association banner flanked by the flags of the United States and India. The association’s event film welcomed the two chiefs as honored guests “standing with our community for Rockwall’s first-ever Garba.”
Guests arrived in colorful traditional attire, and the hall was decorated with bright drapes in blue, orange and maroon. Throughout the evening, participants of all ages joined the Garba circle, celebrating Navratri in the traditional way, with Dandiya sticks provided free for participants.
Dance, food and family at the heart of the evening
Video from the evening shows the school gymnasium filled with dancers in bright traditional dress, moving together in a wide Garba circle around a decorated centerpiece draped in red and marigold. As TIA’s event film put it, for nine sacred nights Navratri is celebrated every year — and this year, as “one night” of music and food, the celebration came to Rockwall County: “Get ready, Rockwall County — the wait is over.”
Food and vendor stalls added to the festive atmosphere, with volunteers serving guests throughout the evening. Children, youth and families were a central part of the celebration, posing for photographs, helping with the program and sharing the dance floor with parents and grandparents.
In keeping with the Navratri tradition, the program included Aarti and Prasad distribution at the end of the Garba. TIA annual members were received through a separate entry gate with free parking, and friends and neighbors joining through TIA members were welcomed with special entry discounts.
Thanks to all who made it possible
The Texas Indian Association thanked J.W. Williams Middle School, its volunteers, performers, families and every guest who helped make the first Garba in Rockwall County a memorable evening. The association also acknowledged its partners and stallholders: platinum partner 7-Eleven (CB Munjani and Priti Tailor); Merak Health Primary Care, which provided onsite medical care for any emergency services; Aspen Dental; food stalls Mom’s Kitchen & Catering and Jagannath Kitchen, serving traditional flavors; Anant Kaur, DFW makeup artist; Ruby Thread Couture; Clovents Real Estate; and Financial Services Planning.
By bringing Garba to Rockwall County for the first time, TIA hopes the celebration will become a cherished annual tradition — one that shares the joy, music and values of Navratri with the whole community.
About the Texas Indian Association
The Texas Indian Association organized the first-ever Garba in Rockwall County as a Navratri celebration for its members, families, friends and neighbors in the Rockwall area.
Submitted press release and photos by Texas Indian Association.
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