CHICAGO: Rajasthanis from all over Chicagoland gathered to celebrate Diwali in the annual Diwali Milan function at the Ashton Place in Willowbrook last month. With well over 325 guests in attendance, the event was a hit.
Among the special guests and dignitaries present were Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, senior policy advisor to Governor Quinn Theresa Mah, Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar and Air India Manager Rishikant Singh.
Each special guest was welcomed with a flower garland and a rice/vermillion mark placed on the forehead. Led by its president, Ram Saini, the highlight of the event was night of songs by Kathakali Dasgupta and dances from the Suhani Dance Academy with Falguni Rana, its director and choreographer.
The Master of Ceremonies Gaurav Arora and Sapna Malani hosted the event with a welcome note from Ram Saini. This was followed by a mixture of songs and dances, including Bollywood medley by Priya, Sudrania Sonam Jain and Soniya Arora and eight participants from the Academy. There was also a Rajasthani Goomar performed by Supriya Somani.
After Aarti to start the function, Rishi and Riddhi Saini recited prayers followed by a series of dances mixed with speeches by the three special guests of the night. An open fashion show was held for the children who graced the stage as well. Another highlight of the show was savoring of the scrumptious food.
The organization has big goals for the future, including the youth, as highlighted by the president, Ram Saini, who said “I want to thank my committee for all of their hard work and I encourage all Rajasthani people to join ARA as we further our organization into the future.”
Surendra Ullal
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