By Rosey Bhasin
Naperville, IL: The United Punjabis of America (UPA) hosted a resplendent Diwali Mela on October 12, 2024, transforming the Yellow Box Auditorium in Naperville into a vibrant hub of cultural celebration. The event, held in Naperville, drew attendees from across the community, eager to immerse themselves in the festivities, flavors, and rhythms of Diwali.
Commencing at 3:00 PM, the Diwali Mela showcased a spectacular array of live musical performances, traditional dances, and captivating cultural displays. Pratibha Jairath, Atul Wahi, Anu Malhotra and Neha Sobti, skillfully took on the role of Masters of Ceremony, guiding the audience through an engaging and well-curated lineup. Their graceful hosting ensured that the program flowed seamlessly, maintaining a lively and festive atmosphere throughout the evening.
The presence of distinguished guests lent further gravitas to the event. Among those in attendance were Scott Wehrli, Mayor of Naperville; Consul Sanjeev Pal, representing the Indian Consulate; Judge Linda Davenport; Judge Jennifer Barron; Alderwoman Shweta Baid of Aurora; and John Laesch, Aurora Alderman. Their participation highlighted the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion in the region, as they joined the UPA and community members in celebrating this joyous occasion.
A significant highlight of the Mela was the bustling marketplace, featuring over 35 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, from intricately crafted traditional attire to exquisite jewelry and festive décor. The vendors enjoyed a day of robust sales, as attendees eagerly explored the stalls, embracing the opportunity to purchase unique gifts and immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival.
The culinary experience at the Diwali Mela was an undeniable draw, with food catered by Punjabitarian Services and Golden Sun Foods. Attendees were treated to an array of authentic Indian delicacies, each dish adding a flavorful touch to the festive experience. The delightful aroma of rich curries, spicy chaats, and sweet desserts wafted through the air.
Shivam Vishwanathan was instrumental in managing the technical aspects of the event, ensuring that all audio and video requirements were flawlessly executed. His expertise allowed for a smooth delivery of performances and announcements, contributing to the professional and immersive ambiance of the Mela.
The Diwali Mela 2024 was organized by the United Punjabis of America (UPA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered in Illinois (CO# 01070317). UPA’s mission is to serve the Punjabi community and the broader communities in which Punjabis live. The organization focuses on preserving Punjabi heritage while fostering a spirit of inclusivity through: Celebrating and nurturing Punjabi culture, conducting workshops and conferences, Offering mentorship in business, technology, education, and the arts
Providing scholarship opportunities, Engaging in community service ('seva'). This year’s Diwali Mela exemplified UPA's commitment to these values, uniting community members from diverse backgrounds.
A special segment of the event was dedicated to recognizing the contributions of community members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service. The awardees were Dr. Jyoti S. Kalra, Head of Sant Nirankari Mission Chicago for community services, Aarav Batra for distinguished Young Entrepreneur, Advik Dhand for Punjabi Young Achiever. These awardees were celebrated for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the community, embodying the values of service, innovation, and leadership that the UPA seeks to promote.
The Diwali Mela 2024 would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions were essential in bringing the celebration to life: Title sponsor : LLT Group, represented by Rahul Wahi, Diamond Property Consultant, International Grocery, Powervolt represented by Brij Sharma, Orochem represented by Asha & Anil Oroskar, Home Mortgage Solutions Inc. represented by Anil Loomba, Crossroad Animal Hospital represented by Dr. Bhupendra Beri, Fox Valley Medical Associates, represented by Dr. Pradeep Sood, New York Life, represented by Amrit Mittal
Darsh Wasan, represented by Darsh Wasan. Their support enabled the UPA to deliver a rich and memorable event, reinforcing the importance of community ties and collaboration.
Neha Bhasin, Shivam Vishwanathan and Rosey Bhasin led the cultural program including motion and waves, Dance with Anamika, Chicago dance varsity, Maharashtra mandal, Nrityadhara, SAKVN dance group, RVD academy, Inspire school of dance, Suhani dance academy and Neha Sobti dance academy
The leadership team behind UPA, including Brij Sharma (Chairman), Pratibha Jairath, Ramesh Malhan, Madhu Uppal, Rosey Bhasin, Girish Kapur, and Anu Malhotra, worked tirelessly to ensure the event's success. The Executive Committee, led by Atul Wahi (President), Sarita Sood (Vice President), Neha Sobti (Vice President), Ashwani Mahajan (Secretary), Jasjit (Bobby) Ahluwalia (Joint Secretary), Preeti Chawla (Treasurer), and Poonam Bhala (Director of Communication), coordinated efforts to bring the community together for this joyous occasion.
As the evening drew to a close, the Diwali Mela 2024 left a lasting impression on all who attended. The smiles, laughter, and shared experiences captured the essence of Diwali—an expression of light, joy, and togetherness. The United Punjabis of America look forward to hosting more such events, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration within the community for years to come.
