Federation of Indian Associations of Chicago celebrates Holi,

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The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago, a 501(c)(3) organization, hosted a colorful Holi celebration marked by a beautifully decorated stage and music, dance, Thandai (a special Indian milk drink), delicious food, and singing that depicted Indian culture at the Mall of India, Naperville, Illinois, on Sunday, April 21, 2024. More than 600 people attended, according to a press release from the organization.

The event kicked off with an ensemble by Maharashtra Mandal called ‘Dhol Tasha’ which brought attendees to the floor. The mayor of Naperville, Scott Wehrli, joined in the traditional dance and learned a few steps.

Emcees Nilabh Dubey (Secretary-General) and Sanskriti Sharma conducted the program, inviting FIA Chairman and Founder, Sunil Shah, President Pratibha Jairath, and Past President Vinita Gulabani on the stage.

Shah welcomed Chief Guest, Consul General of India, Somnath Ghosh, Mayor Wehrli, Congresswoman Michelle Mussman, Mayor of Oakbrook, Larry Herman, and the Alderwoman of Aurora, Shweta Baid. They were joined by Advisory Board members Pinky Thakkar, Sushma Bhanot, and Dr. Bhupinder Beri.

Wehrli spoke about why Naperville gets constantly ranked as the number one city to live in the USA and the contributions of the Indian diaspora in building Naperville into a great city. Herman spoke about the fun of applying the colors, bringing all together as part of one family. Mussman, who was attending the Holi festivities with FIA for the eighth time, spoke about how FIA brings the west and east together and truly proves there is unity in diversity.  Baid praised the Indian community and the welcoming nature that ensures smooth integration, wherever they live.

CG Ghosh congratulated the Indian diaspora for its vibrancy and contributions to economic development wherever they live. He also spoke about India as the “world’s great democracy” starting the election for the new government, where 1.4 billion people will decide their representatives. Specially made Holi T-shirts were gifted to all the dignitaries. Organizers thanked sponsors, Ghoman Group (Mariott) and Naresh Shah (Rely Care Services).

The cultural program was emceed by Richa Chand. Performers included Jitendra Bulasara and Shaila Khedkar, signing patriotic and special Holi songs. Many dance schools showed their talents: Prerna, Kabita, Trusha (Pika Munshi), Bollywood Beatz (Anita Rotiwar), and Suhani Dance Academy (Falguni Rana).

The surprise was a dance performance by FIA directors, Falguni Rana, Dolly Bansal, Sonika Khandelwal, Sanskriti Sharma, and Falguni Sukhadia. Garbha singing by Jigna Pathak and Jitendra Bulsara, brought guests to join in the dance when the Garbha team sang ‘Dholida Pankhida’ bringing hundreds of people from the audience to the floor.

Richa Chand and Nilabh Dubey called on stage Chairman Sunil Shah and Executive Director Rita Shah to sing a foot-tapping duet, which kept the crowd dancing.

The last segment of the program was the actual playing of colors, which was done outside in the open. Pratibha Jairath sponsored the colors, which were free for all the 600 people who joined the sweet celebrations.

Anu Malhotra (Executive Vice President) prepared Thandai (a special milk and dry fruit-based drink) for all those who joined the Holi. Dinesh Kapoor, Anu Khetarpal, Smitesh Shah, and Hemendra Shah ensured everyone got the Indian snacks and a special Holi T-shirt before they went outside to play Holi.

The  stage and the outside set-up were done by Neelam Jai. The color play of Holi kicked off with Sunil Shah, Pratibha Jairath, Vinita Gulabani, and Sudhir Agrawal blasting the colors 25 feet up in the air. DJ and the Dhol team revved up the spirits with their music.