CHICAGO: United Punjabis of America (UPA) celebrated Vaisakhi with a grand mela on Saturday, April 14 at the Sant Nirankari Mission in West Chicago. The grey and drizzly day was brought to life by the vitality and energy of the Mela.
Pratibha Jairath welcomed the attendees and started the program with Lamp Lighting. The dignitaries and guests of honors invited for Lamp lighting included Vice Counsel RP Singh, Brij Sharma, Congressional candidates J Divankar and Sean Casten, Grand sponsor Anil Loomba, FIA president Neil Khot and FIA Founder Sunil Shah among others
The audience had a chance to see some amazing dance performances with children from various dance schools performing to Punjabi as well as Bollywood songs. The winners in three different categories were from ‘Mayuri Rajesh’ School, ‘Rhythms & Grace’ school and the ‘Dwance’ school. DJ Sid well organized all the performance tracks and did an awesome job with sound as well.
A trio of young women performed a Lavni dance, unique to the state of Maharashtra.
In addition to group dance items, there was a singing segment by Pratibha Jairath and Raju Bankapur that brought audience to the floor with some new and old popular foot taping numbers. “Yes, Daler Mehndi songs still motivate people to come to the floor’, said Madhu Uppal, a trustee of UPA.
Anil Loomba of Home Mortgage Solutions received “UPA’s Distinguished Punjabi Entrepreneur Award” and Dr Surinder Nand received “UPA’s Distinguished Punjabi Community Service Award” for nearly four decades of service. Dr. Harjeet Singh unveiled his forthcoming book, “Smart Patient Smarter” and presented a copy to UPA Chairman Brij Sharma.
Food stalls did brisk business throughout the afternoon as the attendees enjoyed traditional Punjabi foods like saag and makki roti and chana bhaturas, to be washed down with delicious lassi or chai.
Suresh Bodiwala
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