November 2026
A Little Masala đź’›
October memories, connections closer to home, and a community we’re building together.
A Note from Joy đź’š
Hi mamas!
My favorite part of Masala Mamas has been getting to know the people behind the WhatsApp names—at playdates, over coffee, at Durga Puja, or even unexpectedly in a grocery store. Meeting your families and recognizing familiar faces around the city has brought me so much joy.
And lately, I’ve been hearing stories that make this community feel even more special.
Two mamas met at badminton and discovered they’re from the same village, with a connection reaching back to their grandparents. A mama who has lived in San Francisco for 11 years found someone to celebrate Karva Chauth with. A newly postpartum mama found a nanny through another mama in the community.
These are Masala Stories—stories of connection, support, and the moments that make us feel we belong.
In our recent poll, many of you shared that you want to get to know other families and raise children with a connection to India. These stories show what that can look like in everyday life: someone to share a tradition with, someone who knows a little of where you come from, or someone who helps when you need it.
The festive season brings up memories and questions about what we want to pass on. Alongside the food, music, and celebrations, I hope our children also experience this part of community: people noticing one another, reaching out, and showing up.
Plenty is happening in the world that can feel heavy as parents. These small moments give me joy and hope—and so much gratitude for what we’re building together.
If you’ve had a moment like this, or know a story we should hear, please tell me. It doesn’t have to be a big occasion. We share these stories without names, celebrating the connections and kindness that make this community special.
Thank you for being part of this community, and for showing up for one another. đź’›
With love,
Joy
What’s New 🌶️
You asked—we’re on Instagram! 📸
A few mamas asked for another way to follow along and share Masala Mamas with friends. You can now find us at @masalamamas_.
Come by for community updates, upcoming gatherings, and introductions to people and places from our village—or send it to someone who might feel at home here.
More connections close to home 🏡
Several of you have been hoping to get to know families nearby—for coffee, playground company, and the friendships that could eventually make an occasional childcare swap possible.
Our neighborhood meetups grew from those conversations. Smaller gatherings close to home give us a chance to meet, see one another again, and let those relationships grow at their own pace.
From a message to a meetup 🏸
From badminton and Pilates to finding company for cultural celebrations, you’re turning shared interests into plans together.
A special shout-out to everyone who has said, “I’m going—anyone want to join?” Keep those invitations coming—whether it’s something spontaneous or a plan a few weeks away. 🫶🏽
Find company in Anyone Around? →
A little step challenge celebration đź‘ź
A little celebration for our step challenge winners from the past four months: Harini Tibbs, Dhara Kothari, and Megan Coupe! 🏆 Thank you to everyone who joined in, made time for a walk, and cheered one another on. 💛
A Little Corner of Our Village 🏡
October marked a change I’m so grateful for: more people stepping forward to bring this community together.
Neighborhood hosts organized coffees and playground hangs close to home. Our four Tandoori Dads admins helped bring their first gathering to life and are shaping what comes next for dads and partners.
Seeing more people bring their own ideas and take the lead feels like a dream coming true.
Our Village is a new place on the website to get to know the people behind these spaces—their families, their stories, and what they hope to help grow here. We’ll keep adding introductions.
To everyone making time to bring others together: thank you. đź’›
Over to You đź’¬
Whether this newsletter is your main connection to Masala Mamas or we’ve already met in person, we’d love to know how you’d enjoy being part of this community. 💛
What’s one thing from home you’d love to pass on to your children? 💛
Tell us what you’d enjoy reading, what would make it easier to connect, or something you’d love to create or contribute. You don’t need a finished plan—an idea is enough to start a conversation.
Have a Masala Story to share? We’d love to hear it and share it without names. If you have meetup photos for our member-only gallery, leave me a note so we can arrange the easiest way to send them.
Village members
Just checking you’re one of us.
The rest of this letter is for village members. Verify the phone number you use in the WhatsApp group.
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