Published in India Currents: "Valentine's Day in the Bay"

A Few Hearts for You?

Need a guide to desi Valentine's events?  Check out the text below or see the article online at India Currents.  Looking for a little mohabbat this Valentine’s Day? Some fun for the entire family, or a chance to meet other singles? Or maybe an opportunity to ignore Valentine’s Day entirely and party in a place where red clothing is banned? Whatever your Valentine’s Day desire, the Bay Area has an event guaranteed to make your commemoration of Saint Valentine memorable.

Some More Hearts

Valentine Masti 2012, one of the weekend’s premier events, is hosted by nonprofit group Induz. “While most other events promise a good time, only the Induz Valentine’s event promises not only a good time but also a good time spent doing good,” explains Ray Mitra, president and founder of Induz.  Hollywood and Bollywood celebrity host Roger Narayan (Happy Feet 2, Mission Impossible 4, and Eat Pray Love) is thrilled to support the cause of Induz while having the opportunity to meet guests. The program features a gourmet banquet dinner and bar, entertainment from Surpal and Project Pulse, a fashion show of local designers by Desibazaar, prizes for the best dressed couple, a raffle and the opportunity to dance to the beats of one of the Bay Area’s hottest DJs. Free childcare and an activity center for children will also be provided.

And Just a Couple More...

This event has sold out for the last five years and all proceeds benefit the nonprofit, which provides free art, music, and dance education to underprivileged children in India and the US.  “While you can celebrate your love, you can also spread a lot of love and joy into the lives of others who may not be as fortunate,” says Mitra. Induz’s program, “Where Art Meets Heart,” is a direct beneficiary of the Valentine’s Day event. Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Mehran Restaurant, 5774 Mowry School Road, Newark. $35 general, $25 children 5-12, children under 5 free.

The 10th annual Valentine Bash 2012 features a special guest performance by Raj Sohal, fashion show by Sonali O, belly dance by Elena, as well as prizes and raffles.
Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Chandni Restaurant, 5746 Mowry School Road, Newark. $35 general, $20 children 4-12.  


Valentine Party Nite Bollywood Istyle promises Bollywood-style entertainment with belly dance, games, a live DJ, an open bar, and childcare.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Road, Newark. $40 general, $75 couples, $20 children 2-11.


Valentine’s Day Party for Desi Singles will have planned seating arrangements, icebreakers, and plenty of rotation ensure that every attendee will have the opportunity to meet every other attendee over the course of the event. Attendees will be notified of mutual matches with other singles after the event. Young professionals are encouraged to attended, and ladies’ tickets are half-price.
Sunday, Feb. 12, 6:30 p.m. Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Road, Newark. Men $50, women $25.


East West Daily Deals and Radio Zindagi are jointly hosting Mohabbatein Valentine’s Day Celebration. Live performances, top DJs from Radio Zindagi, a candlelight dinner with champagne, chocolates, and roses, biryani from Biryani Bowl, a dessert buffet, and a fashion show by Kanyadaan ensure a romantic evening.
Friday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. San Jose Airport Garden Hotel, 1740 N. First St., San Jose. $49.


The only Bay Area event scheduled for Valentine’s Day itself is hosted by the Bay Area Kids Charity, Valentine Candlelight Dinner. It includes a candlelight dinner, DJ, and dancing.
Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. Mayuri Indian Cuisine, 2230 El Camino Real,  Santa Clara. $25 general, $10 children.


And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the red roses, chocolates, and champagne? Not so sure about cheesy Hallmark cards? Sign up for the tongue-in-cheek Bay Area V-Day event, I Hate Luv Stories Party. Red clothing is banned and the organizers have sworn that no love songs will be played at the event. DJ Salim and DJ Gemini promise plenty of Bollywood beats (though not the romantic kind!). All that’s required of you? Upscale or club attire—easy on the red—and the desire to hang out at the Bay Area’s only anti-Valentine’s Day party.
Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. Kaama Lounge  385 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose. $10 advance.


Valentine’s Day commemorates the actions of Saint Valentine. When Emperor Claudius II ordered that all young men within the Roman Empire must remain single, Saint Valentine married young men in secret. Whether you choose to remember Saint Valentine’s actions by attending an event that supports nonprofit work in the arts, have a smashing good time at a DJ party, meet other singles, or thumb your nose at the entire holiday, everyone will find an appropriate venue this Valentine’s Day.