Masala Radio’s Houston Holi: Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai!

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By Preanka Desai

HOUSTON: For eight years in a row Masala Radio has brought this large-scale Festival of Colors to the Greater Houston area and this ninth year promises to be even more colorful and entertaining than ever.  Arguably one the largest Holi festivals in the United States and possibly in the world, Houston Farm and Ranch will again be the venue for thousands of revelers on Saturday, March 26, 2016.  Masala Radio teams up with &TV and Tara Energy to bring people of every race and religion in one kaleidoscopic affair.  Chosen by Houston Chronicle as one of Houston’s 41 Most Fascinating People, Masala Radio’s Sunil Thakkar will host the Main Stage featuring Pop Singer Mickey Singh and packed with non-stop Bollywood Dances, Britannia Cookie Eating Contest, NYL Most Colored Contest, Alings Foam Party, and the finale Exclusive Furniture Battle of the DJs.

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YouTube pop sensation, Mickey Singh, will be this year’s featured artist sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Sugar Land.  Performing his tracks, Rooftop Party and Body, Singh is sure to Bling the stage.  With his own inimitable style of blending Punjabi and English music, both the young and the not-so-young are sure to enjoy a unique experience.

Local cultural organizations, India Culture Center, Gujarati Samaj of Houston (GSH), Hindus of Greater Houston, and SKAI Foundation join hands to co-organize this annual cultural event.  GSH will be selling packets of bright & neon colors on site.
Renowned local dance schools have been practicing for weeks to perform dances set to popular Bollywood and Hollywood themes and include Andra Mirchi, H-Town Divaz, Bollywood Shake, Taal, Bollywood Dancing Stars, Rhythm India, Rice CHOWL Bhangra, Jaz Creationz, Arya Dance Academy, US Desi Gals, Sunanda’s Performing Arts Centre and Infused Performing Arts.

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Miss India-Texas is set to make an appearance with the Masala Radio Crew. Exclusive Furniture sponsors this year’s Battle of the DJs between DJ Geo and DJ Masti.

Guest will enjoy a variety of freebies throughout the vendor booths: packets of Britannia’s newest cookies, Choco-Lush, water bottles from Tara Energy and Harish Jajoo for Sugar Land Mayor and keepsake sports water bottles from New York Life.

Local restaurants Great American Cookies, Hyderabad House, Madhuram Mirch Masala, Satya Indian Restaurant, Kurrywalah, Chowpatty Express, Vishala Restaurant, Kwality Ice Cream, Hot Breads, and Curry Leaf will be serving delicious Indian street foods and ice creams.

Tickets for Masala Radio’s Houston Holi are available while supplies last at all locations of Keemat Grocers, Vishala Grocers, Patel Brothers, Parivar Grocers and Bombay Bazaar, as well as online at www.HoustonHoli.com.  Every ticket features local restaurant coupons!  Free shuttle & parking is organized at Metro’s Addicks Park & Ride.

Typical dress code for Holi is white to ensure that the color powdered thrown on you shows up.  Everyone is forewarned that at Holi spirits run high and wild, so while you are cordially invited to come join the celebration… Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai – “Don’t Take Offense, It’s Just Holi!”