LARGEST HOLI IN THE USA - sat mar 23, 2019 12-5 pm MEDIA KIT - Houston Holi
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LARGEST HOLI IN THE USA
MEDIA KIT
sat mar 23, 2019 • 12-5 pm
rain date: SUN mar 24
brazos river park / crown festival park
18355 southwest fwy • sugar land, tx 77479
Masalaradio.com houstonholi.com
S A T U R D AY M A R C H 2 3 R D , 2 0 1 9 , 1 2 - 5 P M
SUMMARY
WHAT IS HOLI?
●● Holi is one the largest festivals of India
●● It is also called the Festival of Colors
●● Holi marks the end of winter and the coming of Spring
●● Story of Holika represents victory of Good over Evil
●● Music & drums fill the air & everyone dances in celebration
●● Families gather for freshly made vegetarian snacks
●● A huge Bonfire is lit and local priests perform prayers
●● People throw color on each other as symbol of love
●● Covered in color, we are all one
HOUSTON HOLI 2019
●● This year will be the 11th annual Houston Holi
●● This is the largest South Asian event in Houston
●● 15,000 – 17,000 attend every year
●● Saturday March 23rd, 2019 from 12 – 5pm
●● Over 100 Sponsors & 60 Booths participate every year
●● 400 local dancers & performers on the main Holi stage
●● Color, Culture, Music, Dance, Henna, & Street Foods
●● Free Kids Rides for all ages included in the ticket
●● DJ Spinoff & Bollywood Music Concert Finale
WHY SPONSORS LOVE HOUSTON HOLI
●● In March, weather is beautiful in Houston (68-78)
●● Excellent event to reach the entire South Asian community
●● Radio promotions for 1 month prior to the event
●● Stage Recognition, Banners & Booth Interactions
●● New Giant LED Screen with Sponsor Videos and Slides
●● Ongoing radio promotions after the event
●● 20K Flyers, 500 Posters, 100 Banners all over Houston
SPONSORSHIPS & BOOTHS: RINKU@MASALARADIO.COM
281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM
S A T U R D AY M A R C H 2 3 R D , 2 0 1 9 , 1 2 - 5 P M
SPONSORSHIP RATES
Title Sponsor: $35,000 Diamond Sponsor: $20,000
Event Title Sponsorship Headline Act Sponsorship
Individual Stage Appearance Individual Stage Appearance
Main Stage Banner Main Stage Banner
10x20 Premium Booth 10x10 Premium Booth
Web, Print, Radio Ads & Radio Interview Web, Print, Radio Ads & Radio Interview
Tickets & VIP Parking Tickets & VIP Parking
Platinum Sponsor: $15,000 Gold Sponsor: $7,500
Major Element Sponsorship Major Element Sponsorship
Individual Stage Appearance Group Stage Appearance
Logo on Main Stage Event Banner
10x10 Premium Booth 10x10 Premium Booth
Web, Print, Radio Ads & Radio Interview Web, Print, Radio Ads & Radio Interview
Tickets & VIP Parking Tickets & VIP Parking
Silver Sponsor: $5,000 Bronze Sponsor: $2,500
Group Stage Appearance Group Stage Appearance
Event Banner Event Banner
10x10 Booth Web & Print Ads
Web & Print Ads, Tickets & VIP Parking Tickets & VIP Parking
Family Sponsor: $1,000 Individual Sponsor: $500
Stage & Radio Announcement Web Ads
Web & Print Ads, Tickets & VIP Parking Tickets & VIP Parking
10x20 Food Booth: $2,500 10x10 Food Booth: $1,500
Stage & Radio Mention Stage & Radio Mention
10x20 Booth 10x10 Booth
Web & Print Ads, Tickets & VIP Parking Web & Print Ads, Tickets & VIP Parking
10x10 Corporate Booth: $1,500 10x10 Merchandise Booth: $1,000
Radio Mention Web Ad
10x10 Booth 10x10 Booth
Web & Print Ads, Tickets & VIP Parking Tickets & VIP Parking
3x6 Table: $500 3x8 Banner: $500
Covered 3x6 Table 3x8 Banner
Tickets & VIP Parking Tickets & VIP Parking
SPONSORSHIPS & BOOTHS: RINKU@MASALARADIO.COM
281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM
S A T U R D AY M A R C H 2 3 R D , 2 0 1 9 , 1 2 - 5 P M
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
This is an agreement between Sponsor named below and Sandhya Thakkar of Masala Entertainment entered into this _______ day of ______, 2019.
SPONSOR INFORMATION
BUSINESS NAME: CONTACT:
STREET ADDRESS:
CITY: STATE: ZIP:
BUSINESS #: FAX: CELL:
EMAIL ADDRESS:
SPONSORSHIP LEVEL & PROMOTION DETAILS
Please Check Level Promotion Details
___ Title Sponsor $35,000
___ Diamond Sponsor $20,000
___ Platinum Sponsor $15,000
___ Gold Sponsor $7,500
___ Silver Sponsor $5,000
___ Bronze Sponsor $2,500
___ Family Sponsor $1,000
___ Individual Sponsor $500
___ 10x20 Food Booth $2,500
___ 10x10 Food Booth $1,500
___ 10x10 Corporate Booth $1,500
___ 10x10 MDSE Booth $1,000
Client must send their logo in the following format to events@masalaradio.com:
___ 3x6 Table $500 Image Size: No smaller than 450 pixels wide by 450 pixels high
___ 3x8 Banner $300 Resolution: No less than 72 pixels per inch (ppi)
Format: JPEG, PNG, PDF or PSD Only
Images not meeting this Criteria will not be accepted.
PAYMENT
Please fill out either ACH Debit or Credit Card Authorization
ACH DEBIT AUTHORIZATION
NAME ON ACCOUNT: ROUTING#: ACCOUNT#:
SIGNATURE: DATE:
CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION
NAME (AS SHOWN ON CARD): CARD #:
CW CODE: EXP DATE: SIGNATURE: DATE:
DISCLAIMER
SUBMIT COMPLETED FORM TO EVENTS@MASALARADIO.COM OR FAX TO 281-277-6872. INVOICE WILL BE EMAILED AND PAYMENT WILL BE DEBITED OR CHARGED IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT.
SPONSORSHIP & BOOTHS WILL NOT BE CONFIRMED WITHOUT PAYMENT. BOOTHS & BANNERS WILL BE ASSIGNED ACCORDING TO RECEIPT OF PAYMENT, NOT FORM. YOU SIGNATURE BELOW AFFIRMS
YOUR AGREEMENT TO PAY SELECTED SPONSOR/BOOTH AMOUNT AND ACCEPTANCE OF EVENT RULES AND REGULATIONS. FOOD BOOTHS REQUIRE TEMPORARY CITY FOOD PERMITS & ALL FOOD MUST
BE VEGETARIAN. ADDITIONAL HANDLING CHARGES WILL APPLY FOR ANY COLLATERAL SHIPPED MASALA OFFICE FOR DELIVERY TO VENUE. ALL UNCLAIMED COLLATERAL WILL BE DISPOSED OF 15 DAYS
AFTER THE EVENT.
SIGNATURE: DATE:
SPONSORSHIPS & BOOTHS: RINKU@MASALARADIO.COM
281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM
S A T U R D AY M A R C H 2 3 R D , 2 0 1 9 , 1 2 - 5 P M
BACKGROUND
HOLI: THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS
Masala Radio and Texans Energy present the 11th Annual Houston Holi: Festival of Colors
2019 on Saturday, March 23rd. Houston Holi Festival is an Indo-American Community
sponsored event organized in association with the Gujarati Samaj of Houston, India Culture
Center, and Hindus of Greater Houston. Tickets are very nominal, attracting a large number
of not only South Asian families, but the ever increasing mainstream audience from Houston
and surrounding areas. Houston Holi is one of the largest
celebrations of Holi in the nation, annually attracting between
12,000 to 17,000. Festival highlights include all day color-
powder throwing, cultural performances, Indian Folk and
Bollywood Entertainment, free carnival rides and ceremonial
Holi Pragitya (Bonfire Lighting). The festival will be teaming
with delicious Indian street foods and merchandise bazaar.
As the largest Indo-American event in Houston, this is the
best opportunity to promote your business and services to
this high-income, high-spending community.
THE LEGEND OF HOLI
Holi is a religious festival from India, celebrating the triumph of Good over Evil. According to
the ancient texts, the evil King Hiranyakashipu demanded
that all bow to him as God. His own son Prahlad; however,
refused as he was a devotee of Vishnu, the Preserver of the
Hindu Divine Trinity. The King demanded his daughter Holika
(who had the power to burn anyone she touched) to embrace
Prahlad and destroy him in fire. Vishnu intervened so that
only she was burned and Prahlad emerged unscathed.
Thus every year on the anniversary of this miracle, Indians
celebrate the burning of Holika with the Holi Bonfire. Holi
celebrations include music, dance, food, and the throwing of colored powder. So wear white (or
something you’re not attached to) and come enjoy the Houston Holi Festival 2019.
TRADITIONAL HOLI IN INDIA
Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the coming of Spring and the rebirth of nature.
It is also known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Love. People color on each other
as a symbol of love and sometimes even throw water filled
balloons on unsuspecting neighbors. Everyone is fair game,
friend or stranger, rich or poor, children and elders. The color
play occurs in communities, open streets, parks and temples.
Ladies prepare vegetarian snacks while men make Bhang, a
sweet drink made with milk, sugar, cinnamon, and herbs, a
traditional drink of the Holi festivities. People sing and dance,
some playing drums and dholak. In the evening a bonfire is lit
and a Hindu priest performs Pooja to bless everyone.
SPONSORSHIPS & BOOTHS: RINKU@MASALARADIO.COM
281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM
Friday, April 06, 2018 | Vol. 37, No. 13 $1
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erican
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15th Annual India House
Gala
From left: Jugal
Malani, Anjali & Hari
Agrawal, Sushila &
Dr. Durga Agrawal,
Congressman
Kevin Brady,
Angela & Chowdary
Yalamanchili, Bal
& Rita Sareen, and
Nalini & Dr. Virendra
Mathur at the 15th
Annual India House
Gala, on Saturday,
March 24 at Sugar
Land Marriott Town
Square.
P5,
14 & 15
H o uston H oli 2018
Explosion of Colors & Energy! P12
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• Singapore Airlines
Sugar Land, TX 77478 • Jet Airways Call us for competitive and confirmed seats on all major cities in Texas to
• Sahara Airlines
any city in India.Call us for Summer and December seats now
We have special • Indian Airlines
• Eva Airlines Last minute fares to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore,
• Asiana Airlines
Calcutta and many more...
low fares on Emirates • Qatar Airways • PIA
• Air India
• Royal Jordanian
For Summer and December fares please call us now.
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Go Go Go… Go Pagal, Holi Hai!!
HOUSTON: HOUSTON HOLI 2018 was And what timing – appearing live in Hous-
ton just weeks after his “Bom Diggy” gradu-
an explosion of colors, energy, and triumphs
of Good over Evil presented by Masala Ra- ated from South Asian pop hit to Bollywood
dio, Texans Energy and Karya Property Blockbuster featured as the opening song
Management on Saturday March 24, 12- in “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.” Fans were
5PM at the brand-new Crown Festival Park almost uncontrollable as he sang his own
at Sugar Land, featuring UK South Asian hits like “Nakhare” and “Bombae” and then
pop sensation Zack Knight. rendered his take on “Tum Hi Ho.” Infused
On this beautifully overcast morning, Performing Arts dancers further heightened
ABC News ventured out at 10 AM for a the frenzy of Zack’s finale BOM DIGGY
live interview of Event Director Sandhya performance.
Thakkar, little aware that event managers By 2PM the park was packed, and guests
and volunteers would shower the reporter steadily lined up at the mouth watering In-
with colored powder. It was a positive omen dian Street Foods booths led by Sugar Land
foreshadowing a hugely successful event as newbies Honest Indian Restaurant, Biryani
the Masala Radio crew, key Sponsors, and Bistro and Nirmanz Food Boutique. Nir-
leading Community organizations Gujarati man Shah said “I happily ran out of all my
Samaj of Houston, India Culture Center, food by 3PM.” Gayatri Bhavan fulfilled the
and Hindus of Greater Houston triumphed never-ending quest for dosas, introducing
over many, many challenges to bring our their lovely Chocolate Dosa creation. New
ancient culture, traditions, and sheer joy to to Katy, Tandoori Grill, along with Biryani
thousands at this 11th annual Festival of Col- N Grill lined up a tantalizing assortment of
ors. vegetarian grill items, followed by stalwarts
South Asian families, and an unprec- Mirch Masala and Bollywood Chaat. Kwal-
edented number of mainstream families and ity Ice Cream catered to every sweet tooth
youths of every color flocked to the over- with a fusion of ice creams, golas, faloodas
sized park. Onsite free parking, free kids and the classic kulfis.
rides, and eight shades of colored powder Masala Radio thanks the dream team
were just the appetizers. Texans Energy’s Masala Entertainment crew led by the in-
Javed & Nisha Megani, personally super- vincible Rinku, new
vised distribution of non-stop free bottled but extremely capable
water while adding surprise free caricature Bhavisha, youth leader
artist drawings. Mukesh & Smita Chawla Sonali, wiz designer
were first in line and quipped, “I love that Carlos, multi-talented
there is always so many new things going Dhaval, and steadfast
on at Houston Holi that we feel a part of one setup team of Ruchir,
big family.” Next door, Swapnil Agrawal’s Ninad, and Aditi, and
Karya Property team gave away free bal- the amazing Radio
loon animals and exciting picture ops on the Jockey stage manage-
Sholay-styled motorcycle side car. Deep- ment crew Preanka,
ika Agarwal announced on stage in pure Gals, USDG Lil Rajoo, Dilip, Ina and Amit. They also thank
“shudh” Hindi, “Holi mein, hum subh ek ho Rockstars, Khush- Gaurav, Meedu, Jesus and Nand for spectac-
kai nafrat ko mitate hai, ek dosoron ko pyar boo Dance Class, ular photo-video coverage, and exceptional
karthe hai, ek rang ho ke…” (“At Holi, we Prathima Dance extended event crew - Krupa, Sunny, Vinay,
all come together to destroy hate, and love School and finale Ankit, Lauhael and newbie’s Kajal and
one another in a unity of color.”) by Infused Performing Arts. Sampurna, and radio jockeys who put their
Leading Radio Jockey Preanka Desai The second half was energized by Henna hearts into promoting Holi: Priya, Pankti,
masterfully hosted the first half of Holi, in- Shah, a one-woman-show, pumping the DJ and Swati.
cluding some crazy contests for hundreds Spin Offs with “Go…Go…Go Pagal” and Special thanks for the warm welcome by
of free Go PAGAL T-shirts by platinum singing hits like “Havana.” Shilpi Paul City of Sugarland’s Destination Manager
sponsor Gulshan Enterprises and printed further hyped up the color rave with Bolly- Jessica and Parks and Rec Management
by PMGOA.Crowds divided in two for wood hits including “Balam Pichkari,” “Tat- Kimberly and Teresa, as well as the multiple
impromptu Tug of War, catching flying tad Tattad” and “Lets Nacho.” DJ Spinoffs department heads of Police, Fire, Environ-
Frisbees and beach balls by Prompt Mort- featured DJ Nish, DJ Geo, and DJ Tamim mental Protection, Building Permit, and
gage and Realty, Cricket Wireless, My Tax and finale DJ Zee. Dholi Rax livened the Health for last minute accommodations and
Filer, Medinet and George Willy PC and 300 budding Bollywood and Indian Folk entrance while Dholi Toki Singh and DJ making Houston Holi as safe as it was fun.
Toro Imports. Arshad Ramji of Ramji Law dance students rocked the stage from Steps Zee kept the stage alive for five hours with But nothing would be possible without the
Group sent t-shirts flying by way of cricket for Dancing with Dolly, Arya Dance Acad- Zee’s version of BDM – Bollywood Dance grace of Lord Krishna who directed it all.
bat followed by a rain of Britannia Cook- emy Houston, Arya Dance Academy Loui- Music.
ies by Deep Food’s Umang Mehta. Over siana, Bollywood Dancing Stars, US Desi The highlight of the day was Zack Knight.
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P11 & 16
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Record-breaking
Pratham Gala 2017
16,000
P3, 14 & 15 Go Paaagal
at
P5 & 36
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S
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MAJOR AIR CARRIER
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Turkish Airlines and • Gulf Airways Please call us to get these special fares
Asiana Airlines • Kingfisher
12375 Bissonnet, Ste. B • Singapore Airlines WHOLESALE CONSOLIDATOR OF QATAR & EMIRATES AIRLINES
Houston, TX 77099 • Jet Airways Call us for competitive and confirmed seats on all major cities in Texas to
• Sahara Airlines
any city in India.Call us for Summer and December seats now
We have special • Indian Airlines
• Eva Airlines Last minute fares to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore,
• Asiana Airlines
Calcutta and many more...
low fares on Emirates • Qatar Airways • PIA
• Air India
• Royal Jordanian
For Summer and December fares please call us now.
• China Airlines www.faregurus.com/ camdentravel@aol.com
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Epic Holi Rocks with Record International Crowd
Photos: Aniket Raj Photography
& Dragos Dorobantu
the kids missed their dance classes,
but it was worth it to have Sunday
to relax after an event like Holi,”
said Sudha Doshi. “Perfect made-
to-order weather beginning with a
cool morning and ending with thin
layers of clouds defeating the sun to
take in views of the colored revel-
ers below.” Traditional Hindu Holi
elements included Holi Pooja and
Pragitya (bonfire) by the Gujarati
Samaj of Houston and Hindus of
BY SANDHYA THAKKAR Greater Houston, and Char Dham
on Drone footage sponsored by Hindu Temple and SKAI Founda-
Ramji & Associates.
HOUSTON: A Houston Holi of New Title Sponsor &TV gave
tion’s Rath (Chariot) of Lord Jag-
annath, Lord of the Universe. ICC
Epic proportions rocked with an away thousands of hot pink sun- fueled the kid’s tenacity by selling
excitingly increasing international glasses while nine-year Title a wide range of Pichkari’s (water
crowd, as the Festival of Colors com- Sponsor Tara Energy presented a guns).
pletely blended people of different swanky stage-side VIP Tent, over A wide variety of mostly Indian
colors, backgrounds, languages, and 5000 bottles of free water, fun free restaurants stands offered delicious
religions into a singular sea of bop- Photo Souvenir Booth and non- all-vegetarian fresh-cooked street
ping heads and raised arms to Indian stop Bollywood and Indian cul- foods: Chowpatty Express, Kurry
and International music. It was a sur- tural performances: Bollywood Walah, Hot Breads, Curry Leaf,
real experience for all ages, presented Shake, Taal, Bollywood Dancing Kwality Ice Cream, Madhuram
by &TV, Tara Energy and Masala Stars, Jaz Creationz, Rhythm In- Mirch Masala, Hyderabad House,
Radio on Saturday, March 26 from dia, Andhra Mirchi, Rice Chowl Vishala Restaurant, Satya Indian
12-5PM, featuring Mercedes Benz of or Cultural Dance, every joke, Surely, Mickey Singh is virtu- Bhangra, H-town Divaz, Arya Restaurant, Great American Cook-
Sugar Land Mickey Singh Live Con- every contest. Normally, the ally unknown outside of NRI Dance Academy, US Desi Gals, ies and Biryani Pot.
cert, and Toyota Shuttle Service. audience sits through the first (Non-resident Indians), however Sunanda’s Performing Arts Cen- While over 2500 parking spots at
“I loved the new layout of the event, 3 hours of Performances and the international crowd went into tre, and Infused Performing Arts. METRO Addicks Park & Ride re-
and the new attractions” said Star Gi- Pooja, and gets up to dance a frenzy at each of his original Toyota offered free car shuttles lieved some of the traffic on HWY
lani, City of Sugar Land Events Man- only at the concert 3-4 and the songs, including “Rooftop Party”, in 2016’s Toyotas, and sponsored 6 and got people into the event
ager. New this year was a walking Battle of the DJs 4-5 PM. But and climaxed its screaming when ten bus shuttles. Britannia gave much faster, still many insisted on
dinosaur, new free kids rides, strik- this year I had to play Bolly- he removed his shirt to wear Sunil away over 10,000 packets of their waiting in line outside the venue’s
ing hot pink &TV booth with cool wood and International mixes T’s official Holi shirt and broke new Chocolush and Nutri Choice limited legal 2000 parking spots
giveaways, Toyota custom printed T- in between every performance into popular Bollywood Songs cookies and sponsored the decep- which again were full near 2pm,
shirts, foam party, color grenades, and because the audience wanted like “Rang Barse, Zara Tasveer tively fast Pirate Boat ride and and still others parked in illegal
“COLOR WARS” theme with Storm to DANCE ALL DAY!” said Tu, and Galiyan”. Music is tru- giant inflatable slides. Harish Ja- spots along Patterson Road, jeopar-
Troopers blasting CO2 into the audi- emcee Sunil Thakkar. “I gave ly universal. Mercedes Benz of joo for Sugar Land Mayor gave dizing the fragile permissions gen-
ence! “Love that the Indian culture a shout out to hordes of ‘Goras’ Sugar Land was the proud spon- away another 5000 bottles of wa- erously granted by Harris County
is finally getting attention in main- (Caucasians), Hispanics, Af- sor of Mickey Singh, DJ Ice, and ter. New York Life agent Amirali to host this unique event at Houston
stream – this event had 35-40% non- rican Americans, Pakistanis, his Drummer, escorting them Dodhiya gave away thousands Farm & Ranch.
Indians in a crowd of over 15,000 as and Persians. In fact, I pulled about town in the latest Mercedes of Souvenir Sports Water Bottles Masala Radio thanks over 100
reported on prime time ABC Channel onstage what I thought was 8 SUV, and introducing at the Holi and sponsored a crazy Most Col- sponsors, 100 volunteers, and the
13 news!” said Shanthi Gala. “Mane Indo Americans for the Bri- entrance the latest Mercedes ored contest. IBhakti distributed dream team Masala Entertainment
Mumbai Yaad Aavi Gayu.” (“I am tannia Cookie Eating Contest, Mini-Vans! Preceding the con- Prasad (blessed sweets) from Sid- senior management crew Munira,
emotionally remembering my youth and started asking them what cert, Alings Hakka Indo Chinese dhi Vinayak flown in from Mum- Rinku, Devangi, Shah, Shameet,
in Mumbai Holi”). “The Metro Park- part of India they were from. Cuisine presented a Foam Party bai while Zenbanx presented the Ruchir, Anuj, Ninad, Mayur, Pre-
ing and Shuttle Bus system was bril- I was genuinely shocked that with foam cannons, color power walking Raptor Dinosaur. anka, Dilip, Vikas, Meenu, Sandeep,
liant – I was dropped to the doorstep only one was even from India, blasters, and Co2. Exclusive Fur- Because of the Easter Sunday Shreya, Krupa, Ayesha & Masood,
of the events in twenty minutes.” and the rest were from around niture sponsored the finale Battle holiday, HOLI was held on a Sat- Sunny, and Dholi Deep, 20 junior
“This was the first time that a crowd the world. The color powder of the DJs featuring DJ Masti urday for the first time in nine event managers, 20 Masala Ra-
danced in front of the stage for all 5 all over them made it nearly and DJ Zee. From 12 noon, DJ years, and may well become a dio Jockeys, and especially Eddie
hours of the event - a different, mixed impossible to distinguish their Zee pulled in an enormous dance Saturday event in the future with of Houston Farm & Ranch for yet
and almost crazy crowd that was just origin, and really that is one of crowd under gorgeous trees, and the overwhelmingly positive re- another amazing HOLI!. Bura Na
excited with every Bollywood Song the charms of HOLI.” the crowd shots were captured sponse. “I had to miss work and Mano, Holi Hai!
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Pg 2,
Pg 10 32
HOUSTON: For the
Record Crowds Flock to Holi 2010
Masala Radio attracts a record crowd of over 11,000 at Holi 2010 the 3rd annual Festival of Colours
Bollywood Shows 4 U, tra offered garden style lunch with
Masala Radio Spreads Holi Cheers to Thousands
BY PRAVEENA LAKSHMANAN
HOUSTON: On Sunday, March
9, over several thousands awak-
nale number. In
between dances,
Thakkar kept
last 40 years, Indian-born Robin Bains, CO-founder exclusive seating in the Pavilion, ened the Spring in their spirits, the audience
parents have told the next of Red Hot Karaoke, Im- but most were happy to plop down bustling through an “Amazing glued to their
generation stories of what migration Attorney Deepa anywhere and sample there tanta- Sea of Colors” in Masala Radio seats with anec-
Holi grand mela was like Thakur, and Malik Jamal lizing Chole and fresh, hot Batu- 1480 AM’s Holi 2009 Festival dotes and audi-
in India. Now, they can go of Tara Energy. Amid re- ras. New this year was Chipstix, of Colors in Sugar Land’s Oyster ence participa-
to You Tube, type in Hous- sounding applause Manik a masaledaar fried potato sliced Creek Park. tion routines.
ton Holi, and relive it. Joshi took first place and and twisted around a foot-and-a- This year’s holi transcended Keeping the
“Over11,000 people winning among several half stick. Blue Bunny offered a social and cultural barriers to peace between
gathered at the Festival prizes a Masala Cruise to variety of packaged ice creams, be celebrated as the Festival of Thakkar ’s
of Colours this year” said Mexico and a Free Red despite their difficult maintaining Colors by the entire South Asian pranks, co-em-
Lt.Hines of Sugar Land Hot Karaoke Machine. The power. Fadi’s offered a different community in Houston and sur- cee and radio
Police. Vijay Pallod of stage closed with a captivat- variety of falafels, Mediterra- rounding areas. Individuals from co-host Pre-
The Hindus Of Greater ing performance by Kamla nean salads and baklava. Neeta’s all social, cultural, religious and anka Desai
Houston proclaimed Punjabi, and a DJ Party by tempted the Gujarati’s with Surti regional background gathered reminded the
“This is the Largest Holi Dholi Nish and DJ Neel, Kichadi,Undhiyu and Papde No and mingled to celebrate this audience “Bura
in the US. And we were which went well past event Lot, while Bengalis were drawn festival, which marks the victory Na Mano, Holi
happy to see at least 5% hours. to O’Calcutta with mouthwater- of good over evil. There were Hai!” (“Don’t
were non-South Asian!” The Gujarati Samaj of ing Rasogulla. Even though there women and children, old and be offended its
Pankaj Thakkar, owner ��������������������������������������������������� Houston’s President Prakash were twice as many food stalls as young, rich and poor, and execu- Holi!). All spon-
of San Francisco’s Gold tives and workmen, Hindus and sors, whether it
Palace exclaimed, “I flew addition – a mechanical bull. Next Muslims and Indians, Pakistanis was Continental
to Houston just for Holi - there is to the Kids rides was the Fiesta and Bangladeshis, Americans Airlines Richard
no celebration like this in entire booth challenging kids with carni- who threw color at each other Allen or Grand
West Coast.” Holi 2010 rocked val games with free prizes. and rocked at the music blaring Sponsors Jugal
the Oyster Creek Park in Sugar “Come early to avoid lines at from the stage. & Raj Malani,
Land on Sunday February 28th, parking,” blared Masala Radio The stage was washed with were thanked
from 11AM – 4PM, organized by for 3 weeks. And come early they colors too – in the myriad cos- on stage and
Houston’s leading Indian Radio did, filling up nearly 1,000 seats tumes of all the dancers. Young then held while
Show, Masala Radio 1480 AM, by 12 noon. At 1:30 pm, Sugar Dhol players from the Pearland kids from the
and pioneer community organiza- Land Police’s Lt. Hines admitted Group joined Masala Radio’s audience were
tions Gujarati Samaj of Houston that the parking lots had surpassed Sunil Thakkar as he kicked off encouraged
and Indian Culture Center. Three last year’s attendance. “Actually the back-to-back stage perfor- to douse them
Huge HOLI Crowds: Love New Venue, New Faces, New Flavors! Pg 8 days prior, there was snow in everything is full, including Ci- mances. The youngest dancers
K22 Reopens
with color. Ritu
Houston. ci’s, Kroger’s and even Randalls! stole the audience’s hearts, from Sunil and Sandhya Thakkar dance to the success of the Holi 2009 event.
Srivatsav won
Then Sunday clouds disap- As this event is approaching the Keka’s School of Dance and Mu- the roti-making
This Week Inside:
peared forming the warmest day Fourth of July crowds, we will sic as well as Payal School of
recommend the city to open more
contest, winning a diamond pen- “Holi to us Indians signifies
in 2010. Dance. The young girls looked dant from Karat 22 for making 10 the victory of good over evil.
Thanks to generous support of parking at Lost Creek Park next ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ like gopi’s as they sat patiently roti’s in 4 minutes! At the very This colorful festival bridges
oli Hai!
Tara Energy, Jugal & Raj Malani year.” in���������������������������������� waiting their turn in the sunny end Thakkar opened the stage to the social gap and renews sweet
of Ekal Vidyalay and The Village From the Main Stage, the sea of heat fully dressed in traditional
last year, most everyone sold out, freestyle audience dancing with relationships,” said ICC Vice-
arse: H
School, the event was completely people gave energy to the danc- dipa” followed by the whimsical Desai, Vice President Nisha chunia cholis and silver jew-
By Kalyani Giri On the night of February 5, especially AlpaHar Foods. Owner the Oscar winning song, Jai Ho! president Swapan Dhairyawan.
free to the public with free admis- ers and Emcee Sunil Thakkar. In “All is Well”. Their Bollywood Mirani, and Secretary Ajit Patel
Rang B
HOUSTON:nJust six weeks after thieves cut a hole in the roof and Alpa Parmar, who doesn’t have a elry from head to toe. On the from Slumdog Millionaire. The Thakkar added, “I put out ads to
sion, parking, and non-stop en- between colourful dances, Thak- Instructor Mahesh Mahbubani did rendered a quick re-enactment of flipside, Bollywood School of
a daring multimillion dollar heist entered the store; they disabled the restaurant nor caters, when asked slogan was added at the last min- invite all religions to this festival.
alarm system, broke into the vault, tertainment. The event was filled kar mesmerized the audience a riveting impromptu dance les- the Puranic story of ancient King Dance & Art showcased an ener-
depleted merchandize at Karat 22 why she did the booth for Holi ute to the official Holi 2009 T- Holi is the least religious of all
and made off with millions-worth with subtle hints of progress, all with random requests of singing son on stage with the entire Masa- Hiranyakashyap who wanted all getic dance of ladies in their 30’s
Jewelers on Hillcroft, the store said, “Food is my passion, and shirts. the Hindu holidays, so I wanted
the Food Court and Organizer or dancing from the crowd itself. la Crew, right down to the last wanted to burn his son Prahlad for
reopened this past weekend and in jewelry. An investigation into
booths has matching large name Thakkar orchestrated a Reddy booty-shaking steps. The full line worshipping Vishnu instead of the
I love making people happy at and 40’s. Shivangani School of Grand Sponsors for the event the entire Indian community to Houstonians, along with Masala
was welcomed back to business the incident is ongoing. Holi.” Dance merged classical “kathak” were Jugal and Raj Malani with come and celebrate Spring, cel-
signs, colourful Holi signs lined Bread Roti Eating contest, and up included Bengali Pride, Gitika King. The King ordered Prahlad’s Radio, Spread Holi Cheers... Read
KeMaYa Dazzles by a steady flow of well-wishers “When you’re not doing busi-
the streets, sidewalks and the the audience was delighted when Sinha & Group, Pearland Pow- evil sister Holika (who had a boon
First–time attendees like Pankaj dance steps into vibrant Bolly- Ekal Vidyalaya. ebrate life, together.” “This Holi
Page 2 & 3
and clients. Gleaming new jewel- ness, it’s like your life is shut- wood numbers, completely cov-
at Holi 2011 ry lay pristine behind glass cases, down,” said Anand Patel, Rachna’s Color Zone thanking other major a frail looking girl won the con- ers, Sugar Pear Group, Dhamaka, of withstanding fire) into the fire,
but Vishnu protected Prahlad and
Malani were overwhelmed, “‘I
was very impressed by how orga- ering the stage with exotically
Sunil and wife S a n d h y a
Thakkar thanked the participants.
was one of the biggest cultural
events thrown all over Houston.
Pg 3,10 and peppering the showroom were brother. “It is awesome to be open sponsors Star Plus, Tilak & Manu test in 40 seconds! Nara Lakhani Anonymous, Bollywood School costumed dancers.
Agrawal, Brij & Sunita Agrawal, of Sabse Bada Rupaiya and Glitz of Dance and Art, Arya Dance she was burned instead, display-
nized the Holi event was. It was a “We couldn’t have done this This was a great way to spread
several exquisite handcrafted piec- again,” he added. great opportunity to see kids and Chandana Ghosh of Carmaa without our team, sponsors and the Indian culture and the heart
New York Life, Fommy.com, Entertainment’s Abhiya Malhotra Academy, and Hybrid Rhythms. ing the triumph of Good over Evil.
es by Lladro. The recently-arrived jewelry Boutique defied the attack of most of all, the community.”
includes bridal sets, but there is Hindus of Greater Houston, Tel- choreographed the Sona Boutique The entertainment highlight On stage, King Hiranyakashyap adults from our community enjoy- of India.” said Sejal Lahoti.
“Everyone who knows what ing themselves together on this colors while displaying a fashion At the peak of the Holi frenzy Hindus of Greater Houston’s
we went through are happy to a prevalence of light weight gold fair, Continental Airlines, and Qa- Fashion Show with 2 rounds: was Houston Ka Music Muqabla, was over 10 feet tall and had fire show of high-end designers, cho-
tar Airways. Black & White Sari and Formal a singing competition of 6 con- shooting from his hands, a site to
festive occasion. The dances, skits – around 1:30pm, Sunil and Girish Naik voiced the need for
see we’re up and running,” said jewelry in stock too. There are reographed by ISA-UH’s Nehal
As if an abundant supply of 6 Wear. The Formal Wear models testants, 6 judges, in 3 rounds behold! The Kind exited the stage
and variety of food definitely add- Sandhya danced at the side of the unity, “A successful Holi pro-
Rachna Patel, whose father is a gems studded sets, high-end de- Verma. Rhythm India delighted
shades of Holi powder was not displayed over $100,000 in daz- fashioned after the popular Star into the crowds, and was stopped
ed to the fun atmosphere. “The en- stage celebrating a turnout and gram showing how a coordinated
prominent local businessman and signer watches, and something for From left: Meena Patel, Aku Patel, Rachna Patel, Girija Patel, all with a medley of songs with
tire event was directed by Masala production exceeding all expec- afford of major organizations and
the owner of Karat 22, Aku Patel. everyone at the store. Anant Patel, Aarti Patel at Karat 22 reopening enough, youths snuck past secu- zling diamond & precious stone Plus show. Star Plus presented every few feet for dozens of pho-
Radio owners Sunil and Sandhya perfectly synchronized steps. tations. Nisha Patel, member of Music Masala can bring the com-
“It’s so nice to see the lights on in “With the gold prices being so rity to fill dollar-store pichkaris, jewellery by Maharaja Jewellers. the competition and will air the tos. Soon afterwards, ICC Presi-
Thakkar, and coordinated by Event The audience burst at the seams the co-organizer Gujarati Samaj, munity together. We saw a large
the store. As we lost everything high, we decided to cut down on crafted porcelain piece by Lladro found in the US. It boasts a price water guns, and water bottles with Shivangini School of Dance pre- episode, along with clips of the dent Swapan Dhairyawan and Past
Manager Shilpi Sheth. What’s when its Parsi dance instructor, declared colored powder sold out number of non-Hindus attend
bulky pieces. Our new designs are depicting the Queen Nefertiti on a tag of $165, 000. river water to fully douse their sented three acts of vibrant folk entire Holi celebration, on their President Keshu Patel led Consul
Daya’s 15th in the robbery, we had to reorder.
Thankfully we have a very good traditional yet trendy, wearable boat surrounded by musicians and For more information about friends. The magnificent park dances, one to classical chants channel in the next three weeks. General Sanjiv Arora to the stage
Next? Masala Radio is scouting Arzan Gonda, displayed to the at 2:45pm, “I can’t believe the and really enjoy the festival, they
for venues that can support over audience the steps to “Dance Pe turnout, we bought four times the
Annual manufacturing base so most of the pieces of art for every day and ev- dancing girls. One of one hundred Karat 22 Jewelers, call 713-783- fountain was a magical fountain and tabla beats. Rhythm India For the first time in Houston, the who gave an unusually short wel-
10,000 for its next event, Diwali Chance” at Thakkar’s random Gulal of last year, and still didn’t
wanted to know more about the
festival.” Keshu Patel, president
stock has arrive,” added Rachna, ery occasion,” said Rachna. of its exact design, it is the largest 0808 or visit the showroom at of youth, transforming adults into rocked the stage with their mod- crowd was invited to text their come and pledge of better service
Fundraiser Pg 6 who also custom designs jewelry Occupying center stage in the single piece ever created by Lladro 5623 Hillcroft Avenue, Houston, teenagers as they too played Holi. ern glitzy costumes, adorable little votes using technology provided to his Houston constituents.
2010, the Festival of Lights. For beckoning. Hybrid Rhythms had
a full range of students, from kids
make it to 3pm!” India Culture of ICC, said, “Consul General of
for the store. store was a resplendent hand- and the only one of its kind to be TX 77036. Kids forgot their electronic world girls, and stage covering groups of by Saavn. Judging was by Rathna Aroma from the Holi Food Court details stay tuned to Masala Radio Center took charge of drumming India, Sanjiv Arora, was thrilled
1480AM Saturdays and Sundays to young adult and Indians along up all of its member organiza- with the vigor that the event was
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2011 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM as they raced through the free kids 20 -40 students. Anajli Center for Kumar, founder Anjali Center for filled the air as long lines formed
at Udipi Cafe, Madras Pavilion, 10AM – 5PM, call 281-277-6874 with Non-Indians, in their danc- tions, both cultural and religious; celebrated, a credit to all Hous-
rides: a 65-ft obstacle course, 30- Performing Arts had the crowd Performing Arts, Pandit Suman
or visit www.masalaradio.net. es, including the day’s grand fi- to come out in one unified Holi. tonians!”
ft rock wall, giant slide, or the new dancing with the upbeat “Had- Ghosh, Moid Khan, founder of and Mantra of Sugar Land. Man-
11 YEARS CELEBRATING THE COLORS OF LIFE.....HOUSTON HOLIYou can also read
