Amazing Masala Holi with Nora Fatehi: Massive Crowd, Mast Fun!
HOUSTON: In the aftermath of Maha Khumbh Mela…Holi revelers witnessed the largest Indo-American gathering in Clutch City at HOUSTON HOLI on SAT MAR 1 2025 at BH Ranch presented by Masala Radio 98.7 FM. “The Ranch looked like a colorful Bollywood Set!” exclaimed many while taking pics under a 30 foot entry of cascading mirrored Rajasthani umbrellas and tassels. The last-minute addition of special guest Nora Fatehi sparked fire in the community, “Nora Fatehi happened to be in the US this week for a late night show interview and was enthralled to do her first ever Holi appearance.” God blessed the event with perfect 77-degree weather, and just enough sun to dry the pichkari soakings! “Amazing Holi – no one can do this but Masala!” “Organization-Layout-Décor-Entertainment-Street Foods-Free Kids Rides – cannot see this anywhere but Houston Holi.” “Holi is so inclusive as the differences of race, religion, skin color are completely obliterated amongst a rainbow of color powder, confetti tornados, and blossoming color smoke grenades.” Comments like these poured in.
The highlight was Nora Fatehi entrance in the midst of a happily screaming, hand-outreaching crowd. She blasted color extinguighers and smoke grenades while fresstyle dancing to her latest “Snake” (song with Jason Derula), “Dilbar” and a encore of one of her hottest hits “Garmi.” She extended her hands to connect with countless super charged fans. Nora is an international start and inspiration for millions – a Canadian-Moroccan singer and dancer whose sheer magnitude of talent and determination made it big in Bollywood. When Sunil T teased her doubting her ability to speak Hindi, she bellowed in true Mumbai style “Areee, mein thumse achi Hindi bolti hun!’
Under a 25 ft tall x 50 ft wide stage rocked a record number of non-stop Bollywood dances performances from 11-1 featuring Any1 Can Dance, Spotlight Dance Studio, Sandya Dance Studio, Synergy Dance Studio, Aditi’s Bollywood Dance Sensation, Khooshboo Dance Studio, Kathak Nritya Kala Kendra, Arya Dance, Etheria Dance Studio, Katy Bollywood Dance Academy, Dhadak School of Performing Arts, Infused Performing Arts, Yuva Dance, India Waale Dance, Swathi Dance Group, ParDesi Pulse and Mayura Dance Academy.
Next Sunil T introduced local politicians and sponsors as they prepared for the grand Holi Pooja with Maharaj Hardik Raval from Shiv Shakti Mandir officiating & invoking blessings for all event attendees. From the actual Maha Kumbh Mela Sunil and Sandhya brought back Triveni Sangam Ganga Jal which was distributed by the thousands at the Vadtal Dham Mandir booth. Elected Officials included Sugar Land City Council members Naushad Kermally And Carol McCutcheon (both running along with William Ferguson in for Mayor in May), Fort Bend Cnty Commissioner Andy Meyers, represenatives from Pct3 Constable Ali Sheikhani, and TX State Rep Dr Suleman Lalani, Entrepreneurs were recognized for keeping such a large production event available at low cost beginning with Title Sponsors Ramji Law Group & Majestic Developers. Platinum Sponsors included: Sheikhani Group, Amir Dodiya Wealth Preservation & Strategies, Artex Sign & Graphics, Neptune Imports, Know Your Lingo, and Tara Capital. Bob’s Lounge kept everyone hydrated giving away10,000 bottles of water. Almost 80 individual sponsors came to receive and give blessings on the auspicious occasion of Holi the resounding victory of Good over Evil.
Hard core Holi Revelers flocked to the jam packed stage to dance in a frenzy to the nonstop Color Raves & Battle of the DJs featuring (in order of appearance): DJ Tazmayne “White Guy playing Brown Music” with his annual epic crowd surfing, DJ Kalki “South Side” “Tollywood Fanatic”, DJ Nishad “DJ turned Hero”, DJ Rakib & Dj Boyd “Bombay to Goa” resident DJs @ Bob’s Lounge, Sandeep Sulhan DJ & Dholi “Bhangra Master known to perform with RDB,” Each DJ blasted a unique mix to keep the crowding dancing for 3 hours. Between sets Sunil T created crazy contests for sponsors to give away dozens of AIrPods and even Iphones straight into the crowds. Adding glamour between DJ sets was larger than life St. Stephens Kerala Drummers, Singer & Violinist Reeva Varghese and dancers Neha Shetty & Melissa.
Escaping the jam-packed crowds in the main stage area, the Indian Street Foods Court were brimming with the khushboo of garlic, onions, and Indian spices. From left to right, Desi District belted out Ragada Pani Puri, Dosas, Vada, Hakka Noodles, Jalebi, and Chikoo Shake. Madhuram Mirch Masala featured their famous Raj Kachori Chaat, Pav Bhaji, & Pakoras, Honest attracted long lines for their grilled KGF Sandwiches, Dabeli, Raj Kachori, Manchurian with Veg Fried Rice, and Vada Pao. Desi Delight offered amazing Biryani, Paneer Tikka Masala Wraps, Chow Mein & Hakka Noodles, Samosas & Spring Rolls. Paneer Makhani, Jay Bhavani featured their award winning Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Chole Bhature, Paneer Tikka Pasta and Mango Lassi, and newbie Hashtag India hit the market with a bang with their Dosas, Pooris, Gobi 65, Veg Manchurian, and Onion Samosas. . Honest Restaurant was the exclusive caterer for the VIP section with their grilled mini Paneer Sandwiches, Pani Puri, Jaljeera Coolers and Chai.
Young families escaped the crowds entering a lakeside kids zone filled with bubbles, breezy colorful pennants, and free kides rides by Keemat Grocers. New instant hit this year was the Free Cotton Candy booth! Parents relaxed in covered gazebos and tents while kids balanced colorful cotton candy as they raced between the Pirate’s Adventure, Spiderman Giant Obstacle Course, and the Train Rides.
55 Crazy Masala Crew turned this 16th Annual Houston Holi Festival of Colors into one of the smoothest ever! Office Management: Rinku, Jigisha, Vyoma, Aahil, Nilesha, Vidya & Badal. Event Logistics: Ruchir, Ninad, Sohail, & Naila. Stage: Mehran, Suji, Dilip, Preanka, Bhavisha, Josh, Nikhil, Sandeep, Eesha, Sofia, Sahil T, Vinay, Harshin, Alkesh & Jyotsana. Radio Jockeys: Anish, Amit, Ina & Swati. Volunteers: Simran T & Priyanshi. Ticketing Rishita, Abhishek, Varalakshmi, Abhishruth, Priya, Santhosh, Bharadwaj, Victor, Romit. Parking: Surya, Nitin, Krishna, Rahul, Sudheer, Prudhvi. Info: Shivangi & Bindi. Kids Rides Nikhtha, Chitra, Sravani. Ruchira & Santhosh. Photo & Video: Gaurav Hariyant Studios, Joshua Escalante, Aman Amin. Photos & Videos on HoustonHoli.com / Facebook & Instagram Houston Holi and MasalaRadio98.7FM.
Special recognition for an emerging talent in Houston, Aahil Virani, videographer and editor, who has given Masala Radio 98.7 FM and Houston Holi a paradigm shift as seen in the upscaled their social media platforms. His past work includes the music video Mubarak Ho Salgirah which crossed 1.3 million views on YouTube, and collaboration with Indian rap star Rob C. and Salim-Sulaiman’s label, Merchant Records. Beyond music videos, Aahil plays a key role at Masala Radio 98.7FM, managing screen production for Houston Holi and Diwali establishing recognition nationally for his creativity, technical skills, and ability to handle large-scale productions with precision.