Page 28 - The Indian EYE 022026

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 28

SWERA Sets Midwest Ablaze with

Fire, Rhythm, and Unbreakable bond at a

Memorable Community Lohri

OUR BUREAU Gurleen Kaur, introduced with room and touched hearts, before the RJB Music—the undisputed hero of
affection by Jasbir Kaur Mann, took energy swung back to hilarity with this unforgettable night
Chicago, IL
the stage as the night’s charismatic the skit “Kush Khatti Kush Mithi.” True to its mission, SWERA
he crisp February evening of MC. Her energy set the perfect tone Written by Mandeep Kumar and Ritu made sure the night was about more
Saturday, February 7, 2026, car- for the first performance: a breath- Kaur, directed by Ritu Kaur, and per- than entertainment. Dimpy Kaur and
Tried more than just winter chill taking Gidha titled “Dheeyan Da.” formed by Rajinder Bir Mago, Gur- Sukhvir Dhillon organized thought-
outside Atlantis Banquets in Arling- Gurleen Kaur, Parmleen Kaur, Simar preet K Singh, Ritu Kaur, Mandeep ful gift hampers for newlywed cou-
ton Heights, Illinois. Inside the hall, Kaur, Reeya Hunjan, and Savreen Kumar, Nitish, Raj Dhaliwal, and ples and families welcoming new-
the air turned warm and electric with Kaur, guided by coordinators Payal Rajwinder Kaur, the piece was sharp, borns—small, beautiful gestures that
the unmistakable heartbeat of Pun- Virdi and Navneet Kaur, moved with witty, and perfectly Punjabi leaving honored life’s happiest milestones.
jab. Laughter bounced off the walls, fierce precision and radiant joy. Every the audience wiping tears of joy. Participation awards recognized ev-
the scent of roasted lingered, and stomp, every clap, every flash of lehen- Another powerful wave of rhythm ery performer and contributor, while
colorful dupattas swirled like living ga told the same story, the unbreak- arrived with the grand Gidha per- heartfelt thanks poured out to grand
flames. This was Sikh Women Era’s able pride of Punjab’s daughters. formance. Rajwinder Kaur, Rimple sponsor Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and
Community Lohri, a joyful, defiant Kirandeep Kaur smoothly took Dogra, Kirandeep Kaur, Diljot Kaur, the generous list of supporters in-
celebration of harvest, heritage, and over MC duties, keeping the flow ef- Narinder Kaur, Sarabjit Kaur, Hard- cluding Dawinder Singh Rangi, Jas-
the unstoppable spirit of Sikh women. fortless and alive. Minoo Singh then eep Kaur, Manmeet Kaur, Anudeep si Sahota, Kamaljit Sahota, Maddy
As a dedicated 501(c)(3) non- lifted the mood even higher with the Sandhu, and Baljeet Kaur command- Singh, Chankirat Singh, Ranjit Kaur
profit, SWERA has long stood for irresistible classic “Mele Nu Chal ed the floor. Their synchronized steps Teji, Paul Dandona, Bhupinder Dha-
empowerment, equality, and the Mere Naal Kureh,” sending waves of and commanding presence turned noa, Jairam Singh Kahlon, Balwind-
preservation of Punjabi culture in the nostalgia and involuntary foot-tap- every movement into a declaration of er Singh Chatha, Tarlochan Singh
American diaspora. On this night they ping through the crowd. strength and community. Gill, Rajinder Singh Samra, Mini
transformed the ancient festival of A quieter, more reflective mo- The musical climax came Singh, Gurpreet K. Singh, Raj Dha-
Lohri welcoming longer days, giving ment followed when Tahira Rida through the soulful voice of main liwal, Joti Khaira, Star Foods, Singh
thanks for abundance, and remem- brought the timeless tale of Dulla singer Rav Inder Singh. His melodies Grocer, Sukhdeep Walia, Sydney
bering the legendary Dulla Bhatti into Bhatti to life. She reminded every- filled the hall, kept the dance floor Smith Mann, Sandeep Singh Bajaj,
a powerful, living tribute to women one why this festival still burns bright: alive, and carried the celebration to Mini Multani, Pammi Sangha, and
who carry tradition forward while a folk hero who risked everything to its emotional peak. food by Touch of many others.
fearlessly building the future. protect daughters and stand against Spice, adding that perfect touch of Behind every moment stood the
Jasbir Kaur Mann, one of the or- injustice. Her storytelling wove histo- spice! Special thanks to K K Pamma tireless team: Jasbir Kaur Mann,
ganization’s guiding forces, opened ry into the present, making the legend for the delicious spread. Decor han- Manjind Brar, Baljeet Athwal, Sukh-
the evening with a welcome so warm feel close and urgent. dled beautifully by team SWERA vir Dhillon, Dimpy Kaur, Pammi
it felt like stepping into family. Her Then came pure delight. Bal- members Baljeet Athwal and Na- Vohra, Amarjeet Mangat, Kulwant
words wrapped the room in gratitude jeet, Kulwant, and Rimple took the rinder Kaur! Moongfali and Gachak Parmar, Sukhwinder Sidhu, Rimple
and unity before Mini Singh stepped stage for “Pension Lag gai bebe nu,” received from Star Foods and Singh Dogra, Sukhdeep Walia, Narinder
forward to sing the National Anthem. delivering the cheeky lyrics with such Grocer Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Jaspal Kaur,
The notes rose proudly, reminding ev- infectious humor that the entire hall Evening’s success belongs en- Jeety Midha, Kirpal Lall, Gurpreet
eryone that love for heritage and love dissolved into laughter and applause. tirely to DJ RJB Music! His electrify- K. Singh, Shilpa Kakkar, Gurleen
for this new homeland can stand side Poet Rakind Kaur offered a soul- ing beats turned every moment into Kaur Sangha, and Nikki Sekhon.
by side without apology. ful pause with verses that hushed the pure triumph and celebration. DJ --Asian Media USA

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