Page 24 - The Indian EYE110824
P. 24

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                           NOVEMBER 08, 2024        |  The Indian Eye 24


         Diwali Delight: Aurora IL Comes Alive at




                   IACOAB’s 10th Annual Celebration
































        OUR BUREAU                                                                                                IACOAB  Chair Nitin Fuldeore
                                                                                                              expressed his pride in the event’s suc-
        Chicago, IL
                                                                                                              cess, stating, “This year’s celebration
               n  October  26,  2024,  the  In-                                                               was a true highlight for our vendors
               dian American Community                                                                        and local community. It was wonder-
        OOutreach Advisory Board                                                                              ful to see everyone enjoying fantastic
        (IACOAB)  hosted  its  10th  annual                                                                   food, unique products, and vibrant
        Diwali festival at Metea Valley High                                                                  entertainment. We’ve created some-
        School in Aurora, drawing an impres-                                                                  thing memorable that brings people
        sive crowd of over 3,000 attendees.                                                                   together and supports local talent
        This vibrant celebration of the Festi-                                                                and business.”
        val of Lights not only showcased the                                                                      The festival featured captivating
        rich cultural heritage of the Indian                                                                  performances that celebrated Indian
        community  but  also  highlighted  the                                                                culture, including traditional dances
        spirit of unity and joy that Diwali rep-                                                              and music that kept attendees enter-
        resents.                                                                                              tained throughout the evening. The
            Diwali, known as the “Festival                                                                    atmosphere was filled with laughter,
        of Lights,” symbolizes the triumph                                                                    joy, and a sense of belonging as fami-
        of good over evil and light over dark-                                                                lies and friends gathered to celebrate
        ness. The festival is marked by light-                                                                this important occasion.
        ing  lamps,  sharing  sweets,  and  en-                                                                   The IACOAB plays a vital role in
        gaging in festive activities that bring                                                               embracing, preserving, and promot-
        families and communities together.                                                                    ing the heritage and contributions of
            This year’s event featured more                                                                   Indian Americans while encouraging
        than  25  vendors  offering  a  diverse                                                               civic engagement. By fostering con-
        array  of  merchandise,  from  tradi-                                                                 nections among community mem-
        tional clothing to unique handicrafts.                                                                bers.
        Attendees had the opportunity to ex-                                                                      As the community celebrated its
        plore these offerings while enjoying                                                                  10th  Diwali  festival  in  Aurora,  this
        delicious food from local eateries.                                                                   year’s event stood as a testament to
        Over 12 nonprofit organizations par-                                                                  the growing appreciation for diversity
        ticipated as well, providing valuable                                                                 and cultural heritage within the com-
        information about their services and                                                                  munity.  It  has  become  a  cherished
        initiatives aimed at supporting the                                                                   tradition that continues to bring peo-
        community.                                                                                            ple together to share in the joy and
            The festival was graced by sev-                                                                   spirit of this important festival.
        eral distinguished guests, including                                                                      The success of this year’s cel-
        Mayor Richard Irvin, Congressman                                                                      ebration sets a high bar for future
        Bill  Foster, and  Indian Consulate                                                                   events and reinforces Aurora’s com-
        General Mr. Somnath Ghosh. Elect-  importance of community engage-  wholeheartedly by the Mayor’s office   mitment to embracing and celebrat-
        ed officials from Aurora also joined   ment and support for cultural events   and local volunteers, further enhanc-  ing its multicultural community.
        the celebrations, underscoring the   in the city. The event was supported   ing its success.              -- Asian Media USA


                                                               www.TheIndianEYE.com
   19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29