Bhangra was a big attraction at McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade

CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) kept up its long tradition of participating in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade held on Thursday November 22 on State Street downtown Chicago. This was PCS’s 5th time participation in the parade highlighting Indian culture.
The parade was televised live on WGN TV Channel 9, WGN America, and also streamed live on Internet for worldwide viewing from 8 am to 11:00 am. It was rebroadcast at 1 pm to 4 pm on CLTV on the same day where millions watched from home.
Celebrating its 79th year, the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade is Chicago’s premier holiday event. PCS was a part of more than 100 spectacular contingents proudly marching the parade route North on State Street from Congress to Randolph Street inspired by a cheering crowd of thousands.
“To be invited to participate in the significant and exciting happenings at the local and national level is an acknowledgement of the presence of diverse cultures, faiths, and ethnic communities that make up the vibrant and colorful fabric of America,” said K.P. Singh a Sikh American author, artist, engineer, town planner and community development activist of Indianapolis, Indiana.
University of Illinois Chicago Bhangra, DePaul University, and Harripa Chicago Bhangra troupes showcased the energetic and happy Punjabi folk dance in colorful costumes to thousands of cheering spectators lined up along the State Street parade route.

Mona Kaur and Manjeet Singh Bhalla were the bride and groom, dressed up PCS members the wedding party, Ryan Singh and Harman Singh Nagra played Punjabi Dhol (drum) along with Rishpal Singh’s Twin Beats DJ Punjabi music to keep the spectators involved and the Bhangra performers warmed up in the morning lake Michigan weather.
From the Asian American community, Chinese Americans and Filipino Americans also participated with their colorful floats.
Over 350,000 on-street spectators cheered along the parade route on the State Street
PCS is a non-profit organization promoting mainstream participation, good citizenship, community development, civic commitment and involvement, education, and preserving Punjabi culture, language, sports and performing arts among its community members.

Rajinder Singh Mago