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sat mar 28, 2020 • 11AM-5pm rain date: SUN mar 29

Masalaradio.com houstonholi.com SATURDAY MARCH 28TH, 2020, 11AM-5PM 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 and the coming of ● Story of Holika represents victory of Good over Evil ● Music & drums fi ll the air & everyone dances in celebration ● Families gather for freshly made vegetarian snacks ● A huge Bonfi re 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 2020 ● 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 28th, 2020 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: [email protected] 281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM SATURDAY MARCH 28TH, 2020, 11AM-5PM 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: [email protected] 281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM SATURDAY MARCH 28TH, 2020, 11AM-5PM

SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

This is an agreement between Sponsor named below and Sandhya Thakkar of Masala Entertainment entered into this ______day of ______, 2020. SPONSOR INFORMATION BUSINESS NAME: CONTACT: STREET ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: BUSINESS #: FAX: CELL: EMAIL ADDRESS: SPONSORSHIP LEVEL & PROMOTION DETAILS Please Check Level Promoti on Details ___ Title Sponsor $35,000 ___ Diamond Sponsor $20,000 ___ Pla� num 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 [email protected]: ___ 3x6 Table $500 Image Size: No smaller than 450 pixels wide by 450 pixels high Resolu� on: No less than 72 pixels per inch (ppi) ___ 3x8 Banner $300 Format: JPEG, PNG, PDF or PSD Only Images not mee� ng this Criteria will not be accepted. PAYMENT Please fi ll out either ACH Debit or Credit Card Authoriza� on 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected] 281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM SATURDAY MARCH 28TH, 2020, 11AM-5PM BACKGROUND

HOLI: THE FESTIVAL OF COLORS Masala Radio and Texans Energy present the 11th Annual Houston Holi: Festival of Colors 2020 on Saturday, March 28th. Houston Holi Festival is an Indo-American Community sponsored event organized in association with the Gujarati Samaj of Houston, India Culture Center, and 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 (Bonfi re 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 fi re. 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 Bonfi re. 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 2020. 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 fi lled 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 bonfi re is lit and a Hindu priest performs Pooja to bless everyone.

SPONSORSHIPS & BOOTHS: [email protected] 281-277-6874 • HOUSTONHOLI.COM

Friday, April 06, 2018 | Vol. 37, No. 13 $1 Indo Americanerican www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX 7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 News [email protected] P8 Partnered & Syndicated with Times of India, Sulekha.com, Google, Yahoo & Bing From left: Jugal Malani, Anjali & Hari th Agrawal, Sushila & Dr. Durga Agrawal, 15 Annual India House Congressman Kevin Brady, Gala 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 Houston Holi 2018

Explosion of Colors & Energy! P12

MITRA / CAMDEN TRAVEL WHOLESALER FOR 281-530-3000, 1-888-811-LESS MAJOR AIR CARRIERS Consolidators for We have completed 25 successful years • Emirates Emergency Contact 281-236-9475 Turkish Airlines and • Gulf Airways Please call us to get these special fares • Kingfi sher Asiana Airlines 12808 W Airport Blvd Suite 252 • Singapore Airlines WHOLESALE CONSOLIDATOR OF QATAR & EMIRATES AIRLINES Sugar Land, TX 77478 • Jet Airways Call us for competitive and confi rmed seats on all major cities in Texas to • Sahara Airlines any city in India.Call us for and December seats now • Indian Airlines We have special • Eva Airlines to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, • Asiana Airlines Last minute fares 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/ [email protected] INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 06, 2018 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM April 06, 2018

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 06, 2018 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM 12 April 06, 2018 INDO- AMERICAN NEWS Go Go Go… Go Pagal, Holi Hai!!

HOUSTON: HOUSTON HOLI 2018 was And what timing – appearing live in Hous- an explosion of colors, energy, and triumphs ton just weeks after his “Bom Diggy” gradu- 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. INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 06, 2018 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM Friday, April 07, 2017 | Vol. 36, No. 14 $1 Bollywood Infusion Indo P11 & 16

Americanerican Happy www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX 7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 • News [email protected] Partnered & Syndicated with Times of India, Sulekha.com, Google, Yahoo & Bing P30 & 31 Record-breaking Pratham Gala 2017 16,000 P3, 14 & 15 Go Paaagal at

P5 & 36

MITRA / CAMDEN TRAVEL WHOLESALER FOR 281-530-3000, 1-888-811-LESS MAJOR AIR CARRIERS Consolidators for We have completed 25 successful years • Emirates Emergency Contact 281-236-9475 Turkish Airlines and • Gulf Airways Please call us to get these special fares • Kingfi sher Asiana Airlines 12375 Bissonnet, Ste. B • Singapore Airlines WHOLESALE CONSOLIDATOR OF QATAR & EMIRATES AIRLINES Houston, TX 77099 • Jet Airways Call us for competitive and confi rmed seats on all major cities in Texas to • Sahara Airlines any city in India.Call us for Summer and December seats now • Indian Airlines We have special • Eva Airlines to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, • Asiana Airlines Last minute fares 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/ [email protected] INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 07, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM 36 April 07, 2017

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 07, 2017 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

32 April 01, 2016

INDO-AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, APRIL 01, 2016 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM Friday, April 01, 2016 • Vol. 35, No. 14 April 01, 2016 5 Indo American News READ US ONLINE at www.indoamerican-news.com | Published weekly from Houston, Texas. USA Like Indo-American News 7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 • PH: 713 789 6397 • Fax: 713 789 6399 • [email protected] on Facebook 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 Greater Houston, and Char Dham BY SANDHYA THAKKAR on Drone footage sponsored by Hindu Temple and SKAI Founda- Ramji & Associates. tion’s Rath (Chariot) of Lord Jag- HOUSTON: A Houston Holi of New Title Sponsor &TV gave 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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28 March 27, 2015

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READ US ONLINE at www.indoamerican-news.com Record Crowds Flock to Holi 2010 Masala Radio Spreads Holi Cheers to Thousands Published weekly from Houston, TX News BY PRAVEENA LAKSHMANAN nale number. In PgPg 102, 32 Masala Radio attracts a record crowd of over 11,000 at Holi 2010 the 3rd annual Festival of Colours 7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 HOUSTON: On Sunday, March between dances, Ph: 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 • [email protected] HOUSTON: For the Bollywood Shows 4 U, tra offered garden style lunch with 9, over several thousands awak- 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 ing Rasogulla. Even though there were non-South Asian!” The Gujarati Samaj of women and children, old and be offended its were twice as many food stalls as Pankaj Thakkar, owner ��������������������������������������������������� Houston’s President Prakash 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 the Kids rides was the Fiesta to Houston just for Holi - there is and Bangladeshis, Americans Airlines Richard booth challenging kids with carni- no celebration like this in entire who threw color at each other Allen or Grand val games with free prizes. West Coast.” Holi 2010 rocked 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 days prior, there was snow in everything is full, including Ci- Pg 8 mances. The youngest dancers with color. Ritu Huge HOLI Crowds: Love New Venue, New Faces, New Flavors! Houston. ci’s, Kroger’s and even Randalls! Sunil and Sandhya Thakkar dance to the success of the Holi 2009 event. stole the audience’s hearts, from Srivatsav won Then Sunday clouds disap- As this event is approaching the Keka’s School of Dance and Mu- the roti-making peared forming the warmest day Fourth of July crowds, we will sic as well as Payal School of contest, winning a diamond pen- This Week Inside: in 2010. recommend the city to open more “Holi to us Indians signifies Dance. The young girls looked dant from Karat 22 for making 10 Thanks to generous support of parking at Lost Creek Park next ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ the victory of good over evil. like gopi’s as they sat patiently roti’s in 4 minutes! At the very Tara Energy, Jugal & Raj Malani year.” This colorful festival bridges in���������������������������������� waiting their turn in the sunny end Thakkar opened the stage to of Ekal Vidyalay and The Village From the Main Stage, the sea of the social gap and renews sweet last year, most everyone sold out, heat fully dressed in traditional freestyle audience dancing with School, the event was completely people gave energy to the danc- dipa” followed by the whimsical Desai, Vice President Nisha relationships,” said ICC Vice- y alyani iri On the night of February 5, especially AlpaHar Foods. Owner chunia cholis and silver jew- the Oscar winning song, Jai Ho! K22B K GReopens free to the public with free admis- ers and Emcee Sunil Thakkar. In “All is Well”. Their Bollywood Mirani, and Secretary Ajit Patel rp se i ned t napawS ahD i nawayr . 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 HOUSTON:nJust six weeks after sion, parking, and non-stop en- between colourful dances, Thak- Instructor Mahesh Mahbubani did rendered a quick re-enactment of Thakkar added, “I put out ads to entered the store; they disabled the restaurant nor caters, when asked flipside, Bollywood School of slogan was added at the last min- e: Holi Hai! a daring multimillion dollar heist tertainment. The event was filled kar mesmerized the audience a riveting impromptu dance les- the Puranic story of ancient King ivni et la l snoigiler ot siht lavitsef . ars depleted merchandize at Karat 22 alarm system, broke into the vault, why she did the booth for Holi Dance & Art showcased an ener- ute to the official Holi 2009 T- B with subtle hints of progress, all with random requests of singing son on stage with the entire Masa- Hiranyakashyap who wanted all Holi is the least religious of all ng Jewelers on Hillcroft, the store and made off with millions-worth said, “Food is my passion, and getic dance of ladies in their 30’s shirts. Ra 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 the Hindu holidays, so I wanted reopened this past weekend and in jewelry. An investigation into I love making people happy at and 40’s. Shivangani School of Grand Sponsors for the event booths has matching large name Thakkar orchestrated a Reddy booty-shaking steps. The full line worshipping Vishnu instead of the 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 signs, colourful Holi signs lined Bread Roti Eating contest, and up included Bengali Pride, Gitika King. The King ordered Prahlad’s come and celebrate Spring, cel- Radio, Spread Holi Cheers... Read by a steady flow of well-wishers “When you’re not doing busi- First–time attendees like Pankaj dance steps into vibrant Bolly- Ekal Vidyalaya. KeMaYa Dazzles the streets, sidewalks and the the audience was delighted when Sinha & Group, Pearland Pow- evil sister Holika (who had a boon ebrate life, together.” “This Holi and clients. Gleaming new jewel- ness, it’s like your life is shut- Malani were overwhelmed, “‘I wood numbers, completely cov- Sunil and wife Sa n d h y a Page 2 & 3 Color Zone thanking other major a frail looking girl won the con- ers, Sugar Pear Group, Dhamaka, of withstanding fire) into the fire, was one of the biggest cultural at Holi 2011 ry lay pristine behind glass cases, down,” said Anand Patel, Rachna’s was very impressed by how orga- ering the stage with exotically Thakkar thanked the participants. Pg 3,10 sponsors Star Plus, Tilak & Manu test in 40 seconds! Nara Lakhani Anonymous, Bollywood School but Vishnu protected Prahlad and events thrown all over Houston. and peppering the showroom were brother. “It is awesome to be open nized the Holi event was. It was a costumed dancers. Agrawal, Brij & Sunita Agrawal, of Sabse Bada Rupaiya and Glitz of Dance and Art, Arya Dance she was burned instead, display- “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 New York Life, Fommy.com, Entertainment’s Abhiya Malhotra Academy, and Hybrid Rhythms. ing the triumph of Good over Evil. without our team, sponsors and the Indian culture and the heart es by Lladro. The recently-arrived jewelry adults from our community enjoy- Boutique defied the attack of Hindus of Greater Houston, Tel- choreographed the Sona Boutique The entertainment highlight On stage, King Hiranyakashyap most of all, the community.” of India.” said Sejal Lahoti. “Everyone who knows what includes bridal sets, but there is ing themselves together on this colors while displaying a fashion fair, Continental Airlines, and Qa- Fashion Show with 2 rounds: was Houston Ka Music Muqabla, was over 10 feet tall and had fire At the peak of the Holi frenzy Hindus of Greater Houston’s we went through are happy to a prevalence of light weight gold festive occasion. The dances, skits 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 – around 1:30pm, Sunil and Girish Naik voiced the need for see we’re up and running,” said jewelry in stock too. There are and variety of food definitely add- 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 Sandhya danced at the side of the unity, “A successful Holi pro- Rachna Patel, whose father is a gems studded sets, high-end de- ed to the fun atmosphere. “The en- Verma. Rhythm India delighted stage celebrating a turnout and signer watches, and something for shades of Holi powder was not displayed over $100,000 in daz- fashioned after the popular Star into the crowds, and was stopped gram showing how a coordinated prominent local businessman and From left: Meena Patel, Aku Patel, Rachna Patel, Girija Patel, tire event was directed by Masala all with a medley of songs with production exceeding all expec- everyone at the store. enough, youths snuck past secu- zling diamond & precious stone Plus show. Star Plus presented every few feet for dozens of pho- afford of major organizations and the owner of Karat 22, Aku Patel. Anant Patel, Aarti Patel at Karat 22 reopening Radio owners Sunil and Sandhya ep r f ce t yl norhcnys i dez s t spe . “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- tations. Nisha Patel, member of Music Masala can bring the com- “It’s so nice to see the lights on in Thakkar, and coordinated by Event The audience burst at the seams the co-organizer Gujarati Samaj, 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 munity together. We saw a large Manager Shilpi Sheth. What’s when its Parsi dance instructor, declared colored powder sold out in the robbery, we had to reorder. 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 number of non-Hindus attend Next? Masala Radio is scouting Arzan Gonda, displayed to the Daya’s 15th 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 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 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- turnout, we bought four times the wanted to know more about the Annual 10,000 for its next event, Chance” at Thakkar’s random 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 Gulal of last year, and still didn’t festival.” Keshu Patel, president 2010, the Festival of Lights. For beckoning. Hybrid Rhythms had Fundraiser 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. make it to 3pm!” India Culture of ICC, said, “Consul General of Pg 6 details stay tuned to Masala Radio a full range of students, from kids 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 Center took charge of drumming India, Sanjiv Arora, was thrilled 1480AM Saturdays and Sundays to young adult and Indians along 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 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 10AM – 5PM, call 281-277-6874 with Non-Indians, in their danc- rides: a 65-ft obstacle course, 30- Performing Arts had the crowd Performing Arts, Pandit Suman at Udipi Cafe, Madras Pavilion, tions, both cultural and religious; celebrated, a credit to all Hous- or visit www.masalaradio.net. es, including the day’s grand fi- ft rock wall, giant slide, or the new dancing with the upbeat “Had- Ghosh, Moid Khan, founder of and Mantra of Sugar Land. Man- ot emoc tuo ni eno inu f dei loH i . tonians!”

11 YEARS CELEBRATING THE COLORS OF LIFE.....HOUSTON HOLI