Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago celebrates Holi

April 25, 2023

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Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, center in black suit, with Sunil Shah, president of FIA Chicago, in white, along with other high profile guests and sponsors at the Holi event April 16, 2023, in Schaumburg, Ill. Photo: courtesy FIA Chicago.

The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA) a 501 ( C ) 3 organization celebrated the festival of Holi at the Schaumburg Indian Grill in Schaumburg, Illinois, on April 16, 2023.

The attendees were welcomed by emcees Vijay Muralidaran and Suchitra Kukreja who kicked off the event.

Among the high profile guests were Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illinois; State Senator Laura Murphy, President-elect of Oak Brook Larry Herman and State Representative Michelle Mussman.

Jeetendra Bulsara regaled the audience with an upbeat song.

FIA Chairman and Founder President Sunil Shah & Rita Shah, FIA President Vinita Gulabani, and Past Presidents Neil Khot and Hitesh Gandhi came on stage to thank the people of Chicagoland for turning up in large numbers for the event, a press release from organizers said. He thanked the sponsors for their support recognized Grand Sponsor Chintan Patel of Indiaco, Pinky Thakkar, Brijesh Patel Core Exteriors and Guest of Honor Dr. Parag Doshi inviting them on the stage.

A cultural program was part of the Holi festivities held by FIA Chicago April 16, 2023, in Schaumburg, Ill. Photo: courtesy FIA Chicago.

President Vinita Gulabani reminded the attendees that Holi is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds. She further explained that Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March.

Some of the attendees playing with colors at the April 16, 2023 Holi festivities hosted by FIA Chicago, in Schaumburg, Ill. Photo: courtesy FIA Chicago.

Organizers said due to the cold in Chicago, Holi was being celebrated a bit later this year.

A colorful cultural program was part of the celebrations, featuring dances by Students of Chicago Dance Varsity, choreographed by Dr. Puja Joshi, Maharashtra Mandal Shala Dhol Tasha Group performed their Dhol Tasha Lezim, Pratibha Jairath and Group, The ISCKON group performed their traditional dance invoking Lord Krishna and the grand finale dance by the members of the Board of the FIA. Minoo Vasudevan belted out feet-tapping songs.

Paulomi Mazumdar, a SaReGaMaPa contestant singer, regaled the audience with her songs, bringing the crowd to its feet and and to the dance floor.

The festivities then moved outside, where the DJ Saif and Dholi Sagar took center stage, and the crowd was able to celebrate Holi with colors and dancing.