CHICAGO: With fifty plus vendors displaying their wares and over one thousand visitors from across Chicago and neighboring States coming to Waterford Banquet, the fourth Wedding Expo organized jointly by India House and Waterford Banquets was a huge success.
Ravi Rawat, one of the two organizing brains behind the Expo, said that the success has induced “us to have one more such Mela in April next.’ It creates a good awareness among people from Indian sub-continent residing here that everything they need for having a successful wedding gala is available here and that too at competitive prices, he said.
Vendors ranging from Mandap decorators to Jewelry dealers, dress makers, photographers, video graphers and caterers also exuded confidence and happiness that they have now a good platform to convince the potential buyers that they are here to serve them and meet their all requirements pertaining to wedding. “Why go to India or Pakistan then” quipped a beaming vendor.
Indra Rami, specializing in Mandap and Mandap decorations, said that he has been a regular participant for the past four such expositions and this time he ” came up with novel concepts and decoration pieces to show that we cannot be outdone in creations, ideas and prices.” He was happy that he did not miss this Mela that attracted hundreds of visitors. Poonam Creations too had a fair share of visitors to their shop.
Bagias had a jewelry outlet on Devon Avenue but here they had decided to come out with varieties of dresses and to their immense satisfaction they were besieged by customers. Jewelers abounded and Kate Sandu, the coordinator said that there were seven to eight of them in the Mela. The number of photographers – Shan and Syed – are regulars and so also Happy Farm that assures Bridegrooms of getting them easy rides on Horse backs.
The Fashion show was an additional attraction and it was hosted by Sakhi Selections and Sadhana Fashions. The event was eye catching and hundreds plus enjoyed presentations for abut one and half hours. Shreepad Dave was a pianist and also stole some attraction though his live play.
Prajnesh Gandhi of Waterford Banquet in a talk to this paper said that he was very much grateful to vendors and public alike for their huge cooperation and encouragement. The space for the wedding expo was provided by Waterford Banquet courtesy Gandhi and the excellent food – right from panni puri to chat, Chinese cuisines, Punjabi dishes, Gujarati items culminating with sweets – cakes and tea – were taken care of by India House and Ravi Rawat.
Paying handsome tribute to the tasty and mouth watering food items at the Expo, Madhu Patel of NRI Press Club said that they literally put in great flavor and made the event worth visiting again and again.
Ramesh Soparawala
India Post News Service