Hundreds attend Kala Utsav 2024 in Naperville, Ill., hosted by Indian Consulate

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Hundreds of people gathered at the Yellow Box Theater in Naperville, Illinois, to enjoy Kala Utsav 2024, the annual flagship event of the Consulate General of India in Chicago.

The theme highlighted was one of unity in diversity, and cultural pride, with numerous performances from various cultural troupes in the US Midwest. The event attracted nearly 400 attendees, according to a press release from the Consulate.

India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, accompanied by Ward 10 Alderwoman Shweta Baid conducted the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony.

Consul General Ghosh expressed gratitude to dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, Indian American organizations, friends of India and ethnic media groups for coming to the event. He emphasized the Consulate’s commitment to supporting and promoting Indian languages, cultures, and arts at universities and institutions where there is interest.

While acknowledging that Kala Utsav alone is not enough, he noted that it aims to spotlight emerging youth and artists and that the Consulate plans to host more events and collaborate with various organizations to strengthen Indian-American cultural ties.

Despite India’s vast diversity in languages, cultures, and religions, he underscored that its core strength lies in its unity in diversity.

Alderwoman Shweta Baid also shared a few words during the event.

The performances included: Kathak dance  by  Sargam Kathak School; Laavni Folk dance by Team Avishkar; Mohiniyattam classical dance  by Bharathanjali School of Dance; Rajasthani Folk Dance by American Rajasthani Association;  Kuchipudi by Aananda Dance Theater; Bhangra recital by Bhangra Rhymes Chicago; Bharatanatyam dance by Nrithya Sangeeth; Margam Kali – Kerala Christian Traditional Dance by St. Louis Malayalee Association; Bharatanatyam fusion dance by Kalapadma Dance Academy; Odissi Classical by Aikyam ODC Chicago; Abhang – Abeer Gulal Udhalit Rang (Devotional) by Maharashtra Mandal Chicago; Kathak dance by Nritya Natya Academy Kathak Institute; Assamese Folk Dance by Borluit Chicago Bihu Husori Dol; Haryanvi Folk dance by Bolly Bhangra;  Garba Raas by Nritya Rang.

Prachi Jaitly was the emcee at the event.

All the performing artistes were given certificates in appreciation of their performances. Some members of the Indian diaspora, including Rakesh Malhotra, and Chetan Notaria sponsored refreshments, and Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan helped in the design of fliers.