Masala Radio’s Houston Diwali Fest 2024 Shines Bright
Houston: Masala Radio’s Houston Diwali Fest 2024 rocked thousands with a free, trendy, and inclusive location in the heart of Houston – Upper Kirby District’s LEVY PARK with nonstop thumping stage entertainment, hustling & bustling bazaar, packed live street foods stalls, and incredible sponsored giveaways. “I was so happy to see my non-Indian friends there, thanks Masala Radio for bringing our culture to Houston’s mainstream population!” said Dr. Nipa Sanghani.
This ancient festival of Good conquers Evil was made free to the public thanks to the generosity of title sponsors Majestic Developers, Ramji Law Group, and Parvez Jasani & Brijesh Chaudhry.
The vivacious Vidya Vox was presented by Amir Dodiya of Wealth Preservations Strategies. Dodhiya quoted “I have been sponsoring the Masala Radio Houston Diwali Fest for a decade, and this year’s event was by far the best. Crowdsvenue-entertainment simply spectacular. I’venever seen a line this long at my booth before!”. Fireworks were sponsored by Top Dog Fireworks in celebration of the first time in history that Harris & Fort Bend County allowed the sale of fireworks specifically for Diwali - last day being FRI NOV 1 midnight…!
Appearing first time in Houston, Viday Vox belted out her originals Mad Dreams, Lost In The Summer, Tu Paas Aana to latest beats from Sundari. The live band performance with guitar, drums, and key-
board, sent the crowd into a higher level of musical pleasure. Record numbers of her Tamil & Telugu fans came for the few South Indian language hits, but the Bollywood Retro medley touched all with a nostalgic journey ending with Kai Ke Paan. Vidya Vox’s ravishing beauty and equally matched her dance moves. Opening Act Reva Varghese charmed with her Bollywood hits accompanied by her own violin playing. Before that, Hamza Amir with Guitar had the crowd singing along the latest love melodies.
Chandi Pal directed an enchanting fashion show featuring the couture collection of Kawaljeet Kaur’s Hidden Treasures. Culminating in a spectacular Sikh Punjabi wedding finale. The stage was bedazzled with lights, fog and screens enhancing top local dance productions in order of appearance: Sandiya Dance Studio, Synergy Indian Dance Team, Dhadhak School of Performing Arts, Houston Bhangra Dhol Academy, Nupur Center of Performing Arts, Ethera Dance, Kathak Nritya Kala Kendra, Mystic Moves Dasara Dance, Nav Durga by Zakia, Katy Bollywood, Spotlight Dance Studio, Swati’s Group, Houston Bhangra Academy, Infused Performing Arts, and Mayura. Just in time for the NOV 5 presidental elections, Amitabh Bachan played Kaun Banega Rastrapathi with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Fashions, jewelry and henna filled the brimming Bazaar featuring: Hidden Treasures, SeneNia Ma-
knojia, BK Crafts, Deepa Beauty, Pitara Jewelry, Highness Collection, Jia’s Fashion, Kirrenlisha Boutique, Hazel Threads, Sachi Jewelers, Poonam Decore, Veera and Sons, Pajama Bae, Sai Collections, Desi Inspire collection, Universal Door Meditation center, PickNWear, Amy’s Jewels and Henna Confidential. Featured giveaways included Majestic Developers iPhone 16, henna, face painting & free water, iPhone 16, air pods, led garlands & glasses by Ramji Law Group, highly prized Deep Foods chutneys, snacks, and cookies, Diwali Tshirts by Amir Dodiya, Neptune Imports & Bauhaus Houston,, Glow Sparklers by Top Dog Fireworks, , Tara Capital backpacks, Royal Basmati Rice packets, $50 gift cards from Tara Energy, Diwali coloring Books, crayons and stickers by Commissioner Andy Meyers, as well as an endless array of products and services from Artex Signs, Bob’s Lounge & Lopes Lounge, Tanishq, George Willy & Associates, Hearsay, Narin’s Bombay Brasserie, Arteverk and over 80 sponsors. Hearsay Levy Park, just opened in August 2024 with a full glass high ceiling restaurant, offered a special all day vegetarian Diwali fusion menu with delicious watermelon & feta tacos, jalapeno spinach & artichoke dip, fettucine & Beyond Meatballs, pesto pasta, and amazing mocktails! Singham 3 promised the next BIG movie release for Diwali on FRI NOV 1 with one of the largest star casts seen in one film.
Décor featured an Instagramable entrance display of a nostalgic collections of 60s and 70 authentic records, 80s, 90s & early 2000s CDs, and a strew of Masala vehicles including Mumbai Rikshaw, Mumbai Patrol Maruti, 98.7 FM Hummer, Sholay Motorcycle, and open aired Rikshaws from Auto Wallah. Deco Arts created a grand Ganesh round mandap inner entrance. The most densely packed area had to be the Street Foods Festival. Madhuram Mirch Masala served varieties of chat custom made on the spot. Owner Chirag said “I am the first one to book a booth at the Houston Diwali festival every year, but this year we were sold out with the longest lines we have ever seen”. Jay Bhavani lit tongues on fire with their Surti spicy Vada Pavs and grilled snacks. Desi Delights offer mouth-watering Punjabi curry’s & classic naan. Newbie Desi District – just opened in Houston one month prior to the fest - became an instant fan favorite with all live cooking: live pani puri filled with warm Mumbai style ragada, and even live sugar cane juice. Deepti quoted “ We had an hour-long line that just seem never ending, we have done a lot of outdoor festivals in Dallas and yet have never seen anything like this. It was it was phenomenal success”. Masala Radio was overwhelmed with the love expressed for Levy Park, which made it worth the struggle to meet the stringent their requirements & rules, along with those of Upper Kirby District, and
the City of Houston. Indeed, at the last minute, the fireworks were simply not permitted due to the abundance of dry trees, burn ban, and several other safety factors. But when Levy Park management asked the next day after the festival was over. “shall me we meet about the date for next year…?” Masala management knew it had found a new home for this magnificent Houston Diwali Fest. Sandhya Thakkar said “We saw a wonderful mix of younger families—people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s—celebrating together, along with diverse couples and families. The crowd reflected a beautiful blend of South Asian and mainstream communities, all coming together to celebrate the festival of lights.” Masala Radio’s Sunil & Sandhya Thakkar would like to thank its incredible Crazy Masala Crew without whom the event wouldn’t have achieved its radiant success. Office: Rinku, Jigisha, Suji, Nilesha, Aahil, Vidya. Festival: Vyoma, Badal, Eshal, Ninad, Jorge, Sohail, UH Masters Students led by Rishita. Stage: Dilip, Haroon, Yumna, Mehran, Vinay, Alkesh, Priya, Sofia, Eesha, Josh, and Rajoo. and the yearlong Radio Jockeys: Dilip, Ina, Swati, Anees, Amit, Kiran, Amrita, Shweta, Grishma & Trisha. Photos & Video by SMB Photo. Special thanks to the next generation of Masala management: Sahil Thakkar & Priyanshi Kanabar. More amazing pictures on FB / IG HoustonDiwali & MasalaRadio98.7FM & houstondiwali.com.
ICC Nomination Form for Board of Directors/Trustees Position Deadline to receive applications: Nov 23, 2024
Election for Directors (8 positions for a 2-year term) & Trustees (3 positions for a 3-year term)
Section 1 -- to be completed by nominator I nominate ____________________for the ICC Board of (circle one) Director/Trustee position.
Nominator: (Has to be a current ICC BOD or Trustee) (Check one): BOD ___ Trustee ___
Name_______________________________________________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________________
Date __________________________
Section 2 – To Be Completed by the person who seconds (must be an ICC Life Member)
Seconded By:
Name ______________________________________________________________
Signature _________________________________ Date __________________________ Address _______________________________ Phone: _____________________Email:____________________________________
Section 3 – To Be Completed by the Nominee (must be ICC Life Member for 1 year as of 10/15/2024)
I, ______________________________, accept this nomination. I agree to abide by the ICC Bylaws and will disclose any conflict of interest before the election.
Nominee:
Name______________________________________________________________
Signature __________________________________________________________
Date __________________________
Are these three people related? If yes, explain how: ______________________________
Mail Nomination Form and a $50 check payable to ICC or Zelle to 713-962-5555
Jawahar Malhotra, Member, Election Committee, 12207 Westmere Dr, Houston, Texas 77077. E-mail: jawoche@yahoo.com
Election Date: Dec 8, 2024
Reviving TRadiTions, UniTing
A Southwest Chapter Triumph at IMRC 2024
By MaHek MaHesHwari
The Maheshwaris, a distinguished Marwadi community, have risen from humble beginnings to build a legacy of success and global influence. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, academic excellence, and philanthropy, their achievements are rooted in strong moral and ethical values passed down through generations. This past Labor Day from August 30th- September 2nd, the Biennial International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention (IMRC), hosted by the Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America’s (MMNA) North East Chapter in Philadelphia, brought together Maheshwaris from across the U.S., and Canada to celebrate their rich heritage.
Out of the ten chapters across the US and Canada, I had the honor of representing the Southwest chapter led by mother and the chapter’s president, Rupali Maheshwari whose presidential mission is to ‘Make Our Community Fit, Hit, and Lit’. Our skit, Hamari Sanskriti, Hamari Bhasha (Our Tradition, Our Language), was performed during Inter-Chapter Night, where each chapter showcased their talents inspired by shared themes. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences as members across Texas creatively united through live performances and reels. With many of our families in India, we found a home away from home in each other, making the experience profoundly meaningful.
generations, with the eldest participants in their eighties leading the opening act in a touching tribute to tradition, followed by the youngest in their teens performing vibrant dances. I portrayed a granddaughter, but it quickly became more than just a role. With my grandparents far away in India, the elders embraced me with such warmth and affection that I truly felt like their granddaughter. Rehearsals blossomed into deep friendships, and weekends spent together turned into cherished memories filled with post-practice card games and karaoke. Wearing traditional Marwadi attire and
The skit beautifully bridged
performing a cultural dance for the first time made me feel more connected to my roots than ever before. This performance was particularly meaningful, not only because we broke records with the largest cast ever in a Southwest skit, but because it resonated so deeply with the audience. Many came up afterward, sharing that our portrayal gave them goosebumps, as they felt the weight of our message and the importance of reviving our language and traditions.
Beyond the skit and the uniting of our Southwest chapter, it was also deeply fulfilling to be part
of the broader Rajasthani Abroad Youth Samaj (RAYS). Growing up, it sometimes felt like there weren’t many of us, but seeing the sheer number of RAYS members at the convention filled me with pride. Over the course of just three days, we bonded effortlessly— our shared values and upbringing made it feel like we had known each other forever. The RAYS committee did an incredible job organizing events like icebreakers, speed dating, and my personal favorite, ‘Rangeelo Rajasthan,’ which included everything from Rajasthan trivia to tying a ‘pagdi,’ and even cooking traditional Raj-
asthani dishes. It felt like more than just a convention—it was a celebration of who we are, and I left knowing I had found not just friends, but a second family. After this IMRC, I’m excited to be a much more active member of RAYS, eager to continue building these lasting connections.
The International Maheshwari Rajasthani Convention was truly an unforgettable experience, one that filled me with immense pride for my culture and our vibrant community. Being surrounded by so many others who share the same values, traditions, and love for our heritage was deeply inspiring. It reminded me of the importance of keeping our culture alive, not just for us, but for future generations. As we continue to celebrate and pass down these traditions, I hope more people become aware of the rich legacy we carry. Together, we can ensure that the Maheshwari spirit thrives, uniting us all in celebrating our shared history and building a stronger, more connected community for the future. Mahek Maheshwari is the founder of My Four Aces (www. myfouraces.com), a platform that connects ambitious high-schoolers with students at the nation’s most prestigious universities to maximize their admissions success. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with her B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. In her free time, she enjoys boxing, karaoke, exploring new cafes, and meeting new people.
MMNA Southwest chapter shining in yellow and gold, proudly representing Greater Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Guftagu’: Enchanting Short Film Capturing Nuances of Human Connections
By JawaHar MalHotra
Guftagu” is an enchanting short film in Hindi that captures the nuances of human connection through the late-night exchange between Kostub, a taxi driver, and Nupur, a radio jockey. The story revolves around their chance phone conversation, where Kostub, a devoted fan, shares his bittersweet experience with ‘Nupur ke Nushkhe,’ a series of home remedies she broadcasts on her show. As they converse, the film takes an unexpected turn, with Kostub revealing a twist that leaves the audience captivated. Adapted from “Radiowaali Se Meri Ek Guftagu” by Ashok Pruthi (pen name Matwala), the film blends humor and emotion in a unique one-night storyline.
The lead performances are truly stellar, with Mihir Shah portraying
the relatable Kostub and Apurva Pandya delivering an exceptional performance as RJ Nupur. Apurva’s realistic portrayal of a radio jockey, with all her quirks and charm, adds a delightful authenticity to the role. Mihir, on the other hand, brings warmth and a touch of humor, making Kostub a character audiences can’t help but root for.
Director Ashutosh Sheth from 7 Aura Productions has crafted the film with finesse, transforming Pruthi’s story into a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and grand. His direction, combined with Mihir Shah’s engaging screenplay and the polished cine-
matography by Shrey Patel, takes viewers on an emotional journey. The crisp editing by Pranav Bhagat (Miracle Miles Entertainment) and the atmospheric sound design by Mohit Trivedi bring the story’s nuances to life, while the score by Prajval Pandya and Param Bhagat enriches the film’s mood.
“Guftagu” premiered to an enthusiastic crowd on October 26th, in Vadodara, drawing viewers into its humorous yet touching narrative. With its combination of talented cast and skilled crew, “Guftagu” is an unforgettable short film that resonates long after the credits roll.
‘In Search of A Prophet’ : A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran by Paul Chandler
Houston: On October 19, the Tagore Center Foundation (Foundation/TCF) presented to a select interested and intellectual audience as part of its annual lecture series, a program reflective of the Foundation’s (TCF) vision and so apt and befitting our current times. The speaker was PaulGordon Chandler, an author, art curator, interfaith peacemaker and authority on the Middle East and Africa. The topic was based on Chandler’s recent publication In Search of A Prophet – A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran.
Attended by a representative from the CGI office and numerous other dignitaries from the intellectual and social scenes in Houston, it was a program very organized, intellectually stimulating, interactive and reflective of the vision of the Foundation (TCF), and a step in the mission of the Foundation (TCF), of promoting the great Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore’s message of a borderless world and universality in mankind. “We are more same than we are different.”
After a meet and greet with an array of delicious smorgasbord of almost lunch like snacks, finger foods, deserts and drinks, the program began with a short speech by Mr. Prashant Sona, representing the CGI expressing the excellence of the author and thanking the Foundation for upholding the ideals of Tagore and Gandhi. The co-founder of TCF Dr. Asoke DeySarkar then introduced other dignitaries and significant donors
and emphasized the Foundations vision of promoting peaceful coexistence amongst us. Dr. Ruma
Acharya DeySarkar, co-founder and President of TCF, welcomed attendees, thanked special guests, presented an architectural vision of the future of TCF and highlighted her commitment to keep the dialog ongoing across our diverse communities.
Ms. Paula Sutton, a prominent Houstonian and a lifetime supporter and patron of TCF, introduced the invited speaker. Then came an hour of the most uplifting, inspiring, eloquent speeches, (reminiscent of the famous TED-Talks) by Paul-Gordon Chandler. Chandler grew up in Senegal, West Africa, has lived and worked extensively around the world in senior leadership roles in faith-based publishing, the arts, relief and development
and the Anglican Communion. He is recognized as a global leader in using the arts to further our quest for a more harmonious future, both with each other and with the earth.
In keeping with the Foundation’s vision, Chandler drew parallels between Tagore and Gibran. The 2 literary giants were contemporaries, had met in person twice and had immense respect for each other. They shared a common vision of a borderless world and the universality of mankind, each expressing their message and vision in their unique ways.
The lecture was based on Chandler’s publication In Search of A Prophet – A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran. Kahlil Gibran born in1883 in the mountains of Lebanon, is certainly not easily defined or categorized as Chandler says. His life, paintings, writings defy classification, whether they are
religious, literary or artistic. However modern-day scholars, academics, biographers, film makers, religious leaders continue to claim him in their own perspective and label him from their own lens. Chandler described Kahlil eloquently… Kahlil the poet, Kahlil the revolutionary, Kahlil the counter culturist, Kahlil the philosopher, Kahlil the artist, Kahlil the painter, Kahlil the modernizer of Arab literature, Kahlil the prophet, Kahlil the visionary, Kahlil the Sufi, Kahlil the Universalist….. and quoted the contemporary Syrian poet Adonis to sum up “He is a star spinning outside the orbit of the other sun…in his universal acceptance.”
Kahlil Gibran wrote for both the East and the West, presenting a non-sectarian vision of the world and offering us a spiritual tapestry that transcends human divisions. Despite the epic suc-
cess of some of his writings, so much of Gibran’s work remains in relative obscurity. Gibran had the opportunity of meeting or knowing many luminaries of the early 20th century, such as French sculptor Auguste Rodin, Indian Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, Irish poet William Butler Yeats, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, prominent American artist Albert P Ryder, the head of the Bahai faith Abdul Baha and the Roosevelt family.
Chandler’s book is not a biography. Rather it is a type of pilgrimage into Kahlil’s own spiritual journey. In Chandler’s words “ This journey has been an adventure that has taken me all over the world to museums, art galleries, churches and mosques, and through revolutions and counter revolutions --- to Beirut, Boston, Cairo, Paris, New York City, Washington DC, Detroit, Savanah, and Mexico City…….I sought to understand what led him from being someone born into what was then an exclusive and intolerant Christian community to becoming one who embraced all in our world, and as a result became embraced by all.”
Thank you, Paul Chandler, for sharing your journey with us.
The afternoon ended with an enthusiastic interactive Q&A session and a celebratory champagne toast and cheers for the author. We wish Chandler the very best and look forward to many such dialogues in the future from Tagore Center Foundation.
Author Paul Chandler (right) with TCF dignitaries.
