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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline NOVEMBER 17, 2023 | The Indian Eye 14
City of Aurora and The IACOAB Board
members Host 9th Annual Diwali celebration
OUR BUREAU
Aurora, IL
iwali, the esteemed “Festival
of Lights” is a time honored
Din celebration of hope, light,
and unity for millions of people of
Indian origin around the world. In
recent years, the City of Aurora in Il-
linois has become home to a remark-
able Diwali celebration drawing a few
thousand visitors, thanks to the Indi-
an American Community Outreach
Advisory Board (IACOAB).
This annual event, which was
organized at Waubonsie Valley High
School, Aurora, IL on October 28,
2023, has grown in significance, tran-
scending cultural boundaries and
uniting the community in a radiant
display of togetherness. Supported
wholeheartedly by Mayor Richard
Irvin office of the City of Aurora Lighting lamp ceremony by Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board Members Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board
and local volunteers, this event has
reached new heights. The IACOAB
Board members commenced the fes-
tivities with a traditional lamp-light-
ing ceremony, a symbol of hope and
new beginnings. Sunil Patel, the
Chairman of the Board, could not
conceal his excitement at the remark-
able turnout. He credited the event’s
success to the unwavering support of
his board members, volunteers, and
the Mayor office and expressed his
gratitude to Alderwoman Sweta Baid
for helping the team with the amaz-
ing display of Rangoli, a traditional
Indian art form made with sand.
Mayor Richard Irvin has consis-
tently been a great supporter of the
board and brought an electrifying
energy to the crowd with his inspir-
ing speech. The mayor officially pro-
claimed Diwali, a festival of lights,
as a day of tolerance, compassion, Mayor Richard Irvin officially proclaimed Diwali, a festival of lights, as a day of tolerance, compassion, and the triumph of good over evil
and the triumph of good over evil.
This proclamation resonates with the food that was served. community efforts to preserve their without their presence. She also ex-
American and Aurora Spirit, which The City of Aurora Diwali cele- traditions and culture. tended an invitation to sponsors and
also celebrates these values. bration is a community event that has “This year, we saw great involve- merchants to join the event again
The highlight of the event was brought together local participants to ment from different vendors who of- next year. As the radiant lights of Di-
the outstanding cultural program, learn about the services provided by fered unique merchandise not readi- wali continue to shine brightly in Au-
which brought together Indian danc- small businesses and local non-prof- ly available in local shops, along with rora, they remind us of the enduring
ers and performers for a night of it organizations. The participation a wide array of delectable food op- power of community and the timeless
sensational entertainment. While the of non-profit organizations such as tions” Board members Nitin Fuldore significance of this beautiful festival.
majority of the audience was of In- Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USAh, and Ghosia Wajid. The future of the Diwali celebration
dian descent, the event warmly wel- ISKON, Indian Nurses Education Vice Chair Nadia Kanhai ex- in Aurora looks even brighter, cast-
comed people from all backgrounds and Welfare Fund and Adhyatmik pressed her sincere gratitude to the ing a warm and welcoming glow over
who appreciated the vibrant Bolly- Vishwavidyalaya has helped to raise local participants, stating that the all who attend.
wood dances and delicious Indian awareness of Indian culture and the event would not have been a success --Asian Media USA
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