India’s Consulate in Chicago holds ‘Kala Utsav’ highlighting India’s diversity and culture

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The Consulate General of India in Chicago, as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrated the unity in diversity and cultural pride  through the performances of diverse cultural troupes from the Midwest region of US, in its annual flagship event Kala Utsav held at Naperville’s Yellow Box theater, August 7, 2023.

Close to 600 people enjoyed the event according to a press release from the Consulate

The traditional lamp-lighting ceremony was conducted by India’s Consul General Somnath Ghosh, who was joined by Congressman Bill Foster and State Senator Laura Ellman.

Consul General Ghosh thanked the dignitaries present, as well as members of the Indian American organizations and others. He emphasized the Consulate’s support for and promotion of Indian languages, cultures and arts of all hues at universities and institutions wherever there is interest.

Kala Utsav is part of those endeavors and seeks to promote youth and upcoming artistes, he added noting that the Consulate is planning more events and collaborating with some organisations to strengthen Indian-American cultural relations.

Though India is the most populous country and there are numerous languages, cultures, and different religions, the fundamental strength of India is it’s unity in diversity, he added.

Congressman Foster and State Senator Ellman also made brief remarks.

The performances included: Sitar and Tabla recital by Shreekant Shah (Sitar) and Surtanu Sur (Tabla); Bharatanatyam dance by Nrithya Sangeeth; Bhangra recital by Bhangra Rhymes Chicago; patriotic songs by Swargam Music school; Kuchipudi dance by Kuchipudi Natya Vihar; Folk dance of Haryana by Association of Haryanvis in America; Bharatanatyam fusion dance by Kalapadma Dance Academy; Garba by Shirlzar Dance Co.; Kathak-Bhangra fusion by I-Radha dance group; Bharatanatyam dance by Natya Dance Theater; fusion dance on patriotic song by Shirlzar Dance. Co.; Mohiniyattam by Bharathanjali School of Dance; Tribal folk dance by Maharashtra Mandal; Kathak Dance by Dancing Petals; Ghoomar Dance by Chicago Association of Rajasthanis in America.

Prachi Jaitly and Sariq Bukhari were the emcees at the event.

The State Bank of India, Chicago sponsored the mementos given to the participating teams.  All the performing artistes were given certificates in appreciation of their performances.

Food from different States of India was another feature of Kala Utsav 2023. In recognition of the fact that 2023 is the International Year of Millets, some organizations contributed food made from Millets.

The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago,  Arya Samaj of Chicago, North America Manipur Association, Maharashtra Mandal, Chicago Association of Rajasthanis in America, United Punjabi Association; Oriya Association, Chicago; Sindhi Association of Chicago; Indian American Cultural Association; Sant Nirankari Mission, India Harvest Restaurant; Kerala Association of Chicago and some individuals – Rakesh Malhotra; Om Dhingra; Anika Dubey and Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan made contributions through food, logistics, etc.