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    NORTH AMERICAN Newsline                                             OCTOBER 31, 2025       |  The Indian Eye 24

              Aurora’s 2025 Diwali Celebration Illuminates

                                            Unity and Cultural Pride

            OUR BUREAU                        can shine as a symbol of hope,” he   diences with a dynamic mix of classi-  the victory of dharma, light over dark-
                                              said, inspiring attendees to embrace   cal and contemporary performances   ness, and good over evil.”
            Chicago, IL
                                              unity in challenging times.       — from soulful singing and expressive   The Community Foundation of
                  he  Indian  American  Commu-    The evening’s inclusivity and civic   dances to instrumental ensembles that   the Fox River Valley was recognized
                  nity Outreach Advisory Board   pride were reflected in the presence of   bridged East and West. Highlights in-  for its ongoing scholarship partner-
            T(IACOAB) transformed 1801        distinguished guests and dignitaries.   cluded tabla and saxophone jugalban-  ship with IACOAB. In 2025 alone,
            N. Eola Road into a radiant hub of   Congressman Bill Foster, a longtime   di (a traditional Indian musical duet)   ten students received $10,000 in
            light, culture, and community for   supporter of the Indian-American   and an energetic rendition of the Bol-  scholarships, contributing to a total of
            Aurora’s  2025  Diwali  Celebration,   community, shared his admiration:   lywood favorite “Jai Ho,” which had   $49,000 awarded to 49 students over
            drawing an estimated 3,000 attend-  “Diwali’s  light  is  a  global  necessity,   the crowd clapping in rhythm.  the past eight years. CEO Julie Christ-
            ees. Families adorned in resplendent   and seeing young people uphold this   Since its inception in 2014, the   man lauded the board’s commitment,
            saris, lehengas, and kurtas joined new-  tradition is a highlight of my year.”   volunteer-driven IACOAB has el-  earning  a  standing  ovation:  “They
            comers in celebrating the Festival of   Representing the Consulate General   evated Aurora’s Diwali  celebration   work so hard and do such wonderful
            Lights — a vibrant expression of joy,   of India in Chicago, Mr. M.S. Chau-  into a cornerstone of the city’s cultural   work to uplift young scholars.”
            unity, and cultural pride.        han emphasized the festival’s univer-  calendar. Former Chair Gautam Bha-  As the evening drew to a close,
                Welcomed by free admission and   sal message: “Diwali unites us in cele-  tia  reflected  on  the  board’s  journey:   attendees continued to enjoy culinary
            parking, guests immersed themselves   brating India’s rich cultural tapestry.”   “Seeing this event thrive post-pan-  favorites — from crispy samosas to
            in a feast for the senses. The air was   The audience erupted in applause as   demic is deeply gratifying.” Mayor   creamy kheer — and explore stalls
            filled with the aromas of spicy chaat   Ward 10 Alderwoman Shweta Baid,   Leasch  presented  an  official  procla-  bursting with color and creativity. The
            and sweet gulab jamun as more than 45   Aurora’s first Indian-American elect-  mation honoring the IACOAB for its   emcee’s engaging energy kept the mo-
            vendors showcased handcrafted jewel-  ed official, delivered an inspiring mes-  contributions to community harmony,   mentum high throughout the night,
            ry, traditional attire, and unique mer-  sage celebrating the city’s diversity   noting that “Diwali, known as the Fes-  seamlessly weaving together perfor-
            chandise each creation reflecting the   and inclusion.              tival of Lights, is celebrated by over a   mances and community messages.
            artistry and spirit of Indian heritage.  The cultural program dazzled au-  billion people worldwide, symbolizing   In her heartfelt vote of thanks,
                Festivities began early, with ven-                                                                Nadia Kanhai acknowledged School
            dors preparing before dawn and the                                                                    District 204, custodial and AV staff,
            cultural showcase commencing at 3                                                                     more than 30 volunteers, sponsors,
            p.m. The celebration opened with                                                                      vendors, and the thousands of at-
            IACOAB Chair Nitin Fuldeore light-                                                                    tendees whose participation made
            ing a traditional diya, its warm glow                                                                 the evening unforgettable. Mayor
            symbolizing hope and renewal. In his                                                                  Leasch concluded the celebration by
            remarks,  Fuldeore  encouraged  the                                                                   inviting guests to experience Aurora’s
            crowd to “spread joy and positivity,”                                                                 downtown Festival of Lights, running
            expressing heartfelt appreciation for                                                                 through October 26, a perfect com-
            the  volunteers,  more  than  ten spon-                                                               plement to Diwali’s luminous spirit.
            sors, and dozens of vendors whose                                                                         Aurora’s  2025  Diwali  Celebra-
            dedication brought the event to life.                                                                 tion stood as a shining testament
                Aurora Mayor John Leasch deliv-                                                                   to the city’s unity, resilience, and
            ered a moving video address, invoking                                                                 cultural pride — reaffirming that in
            the ancient Ramayana tale of Rama’s                                                                   the City of Lights, the glow of com-
            victory over Ravana to highlight Di-                                                                  munity and togetherness will always
            wali’s enduring message of good tri-                                                                  triumph over darkness.
            umphing over evil. “The City of Lights                                                                    -- Asian Media USA

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