Punjabi culture showcased by next generation in Chicago

SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: One of the most awaited cultural programs of the year, “Rangla Punjab 2019”, organized by the Punjabi Cultural Society (PCS) of Chicago, was recently celebrated with great success. The local community, primarily those born and raised here, came together to celebrate the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi. The event enthralled the audience for nearly five hours at College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, a suburb of Chicago. More than 1,000 people attended the sold-out event, with about 300 participants, more than 25 acts, 10 merchandise vendors in the lobby, and about 50 PCS organizers and volunteers at the show.

PCS of Chicago also celebrated its silver jubilee marking 25 years of community service. The show primarily by the next generation Punjabi Americans encompassed a record-breaking number of vibrant, energetic, authentic Punjabi folk dances and cultural performances. Participating teams hailed from all around Chicagoland and the neighboring states of Wisconsin and Indiana. The show featured children as young as the age of five, all the way up to adults. Many of the young participants were taught by volunteer coordinators, who were once young “Rangla Punjab” participants themselves.

After the audience was welcomed by PCS Vice President Vick Singh, the evening started with a “Shabad”, prayer, by children of the Sikh Religious Society (SRS) of Palatine’s Gurmat School. This was followed by colorful dances and songs, which were performed by local artists of all age groups.

Bhangra teams like “NaviPaneeri”, “Punjabi Mutiyaraan”, “Punjabi Academy Chicago”, “Gabroo Punjab De”, “Milwaukee Bhangra”, “Indiana Bhangra”, Gidhas performed by groups like “Shaunkana Chicago Diyan”, “Milwaukee Gidha”, and Chicago’s renowned singer Mona Bhalla, put up an unforgettable show.
Bhangra, featuring the signature Punjabi dhol beats, and Gidha, characterized by traditional “Bolis”, mesmerized the audience

The program, which was divided into four parts, was enthusiastically emceed by Gurnaaz Kaur Sohi, Navtej Singh Sohi, Guru Dhaliwal, Raskirth Singh and Gurkiran Kaur Palia, Manpreet Kaur and Simran Kaur Bhalla.

The program also featured a number of unique events. This included a gold coin raffle draw for all the ticket holders, sponsored by Regal Jewels. Throughout the night, the venue’s lobby was crowded with guests at all times checking out the merchandise and refreshment vendors, socializing, and taking photos.

Rajinder Singh Mago introduced incoming President Harwinder Paul Singh Lail and Chairman Gurdeep Singh Nandra. Chairman Nandra highlighted the significant work PCS has been doing for more than 25 years and appealed to the community to support the organization’s projects. PCS President Harwinder Paul Singh Lail introduced the PCS Board and Rajinder Singh Mago announced the event’s bronze, silver, gold, platinum and grand sponsors, who were honored with plaques. Mementos were presented to the outgoing 2018 President Surinder Singh Palia and Chairman Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal.

PCS’s upcoming events include “PCS Youth Graduation and Scholarship Night”, which includes “Rangla Punjab 2019” participants appreciation and awards, June 2 at the Viceroy of India Restaurant in Lombard, Illinois, the “PCS Night” in fall, and participation with a float in the “Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” November 28 on State Street, downtown Chicago.

PCS of Chicago is an all-volunteer not-for-profit community service organization devoted to promoting Punjabi culture, language, performing arts, education, good citizenship, healthy lifestyle, and sports in the metropolitan Chicago area and beyond.