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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
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