FIA celebrates Holi in Chicago

fia celebrates holi
FIA GUESTS FOR HOLI CELEBRATIONS
FIA GUESTS FOR HOLI CELEBRATIONS

Surendra Ullal

CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago (FIA) celebrated the Festival of Holi with great enthusiasm at the Schaumburg Indian Grill on April 16, 2023.

The event was kicked off by emcees Vijay Muralidaran and Suchitra Kukreja introducing the FIA team to the 400 plus members and guests in attendance. The event was graced by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, State Senator Laura Murphy, President Elect Oak Brook President Larry Herman and State Representative Michelle Mussman. Jeetendra Bulsara regaled the audience with an upbeat song.

The FIA organized a colorful cultural program with 400 people in attendance, featuring dances by Students of Chicago Dance Varsity, choreographed by Dr. Puja Joshi, Maharashtra Mandal Shala Dhol Tasha Group performed their Dhol Tasha Lezim, Pratibha Jairath and Group, The ISCKON group performed their traditional dance invoking Lord Krishna and the grand finale dance by the members of the Board of the FIA

FIA HOLI REVELL_ERS
FIA HOLI REVELL_ERS

The Emcees invited FIA Chairman SunilShah, FIA President Vinita Gulabani, and Past Presidents Neil Khot and Hitesh Gandhi, on the Stage. Sunil Shah welcomed and thanked the people of Chicagoland for turning up in large numbers for the event. He expressed his elation at the support for this one-of-a-kind event for their support. He invited and recognized Grand Sponsor Chintan Patel of Indiaco, Pinky Thakkar, Brijesh Patel Core Exteriors and Guest of Honor Dr. Parag Doshi on the stage.

President Vinita Gulabani reminded the attendees that Holi is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage and is celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds. She further explained that Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March. Due to the cold in Chicago, the FIA celebrated Holi a bit later this year. She specifically thanked Satish Ambati of Schaumburg Indian Grill for his unstinted support to the event by providing the location and catering the food for the event. Past Presidents Neil Khot and Hitesh Gandhi also thanked the attendees for their support. The FIA celebrated the Festival of Colors with great fervor.

FIA TEAM IN HOLI MOOD
FIA TEAM IN HOLI MOOD

Minoo Vasudevan belted out feet-tapping songs. Paulomi Mazumdar, a SaReGaMaPa contestant singer, regaled the audience with her singing and brought them to the floor. The festivities then moved outside, where the DJ Saif and Dholi Sagar took center stage, providing the perfect backdrop for the crowds to celebrate Holi with colors and dancing.