Chicago's annual Holi celebration unites communities in colorful spectacle

The occasion served not only as a platform for revelry but also as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted ties between Chicago and Delhi, exemplified by the cultural influence of the vibrant Indian-American community

Chicago's annual Holi celebration unites communities in colorful spectacle / Special arrangement

The annual Global Connections: Holi event, a collaborative effort by the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, ComEd, and Navy Pier, marked a vibrant celebration in Chicago, drawing participants from across the city and beyond. Smita N. Shah, Chairwoman of the Delhi Committee and President & CEO of SPAAN Tech, Inc., expressed her deep sense of honor and pride in being part of the festivities, underscoring its significance in fostering cultural exchange and community cohesion.

Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago, Smita N. Shah, Chairman of Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities and Niranjan S. Shah and Pratima Shah, the winner of the Pravasi Bharatiya Award / Special arrangement

Mayor Brandon Johnson, in attendance, hailed the event as a testament to Chicago's rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity. Against the backdrop of the Aon Grand Ballroom and Navy Pier Beer Garden, the celebration unfolded with a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and culinary delights, offering attendees an immersive experience of the joyous Hindu festival of Holi.

“Holi is a reminder that good always triumphs over evil and those forces that wish to divide us, make no mistake about it, not here in the city of Chicago. Black. Brown. White. Asian. Young. Old. Rich. Poor. We are the greatest city in the world because of the diversity that makes up this city,” said City of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“Chicago's positive impact is felt all around the world…thanks to the hard work of Chicago Sister Cities International and the volunteer work of our committee members like Smita [Shah], who are so passionate about our city, so passionate about diplomacy and so passionate about our democracy,” he added.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, in attendance, hailed the event as a testament to Chicago's rich tapestry of diversity and inclusivity / Special arrangement

From traditional cultural performances to the iconic powder-throwing rituals symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, every aspect of the event resonated with the spirit of unity and harmony. Attendees, irrespective of age, ethnicity, or socio-economic background, came together to revel in the festivities, reinforcing the ethos that defines Chicago as a melting pot of cultures.

The occasion served not only as a platform for revelry but also as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted ties between Chicago and Delhi, exemplified by the cultural influence of the vibrant Indian-American community in the Chicagoland area. Under Shah's visionary leadership, the Delhi Committee has spearheaded various initiatives to promote Indo-American cultural exchange, including the Annual Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi Luncheon, which honors the enduring legacy of the revered leader and his principles of truth and non-violence.

Niranjan S. Shah and Pratima Shah, the winner of the Pravasi Bharatiya Award/ he free, public event transformed the Aon Grand Ballroom and Navy Pier Beer Garden into the country’s largest Holi celebration / Special arrangement

Moreover, Shah's instrumental role in securing the designation of October 2nd as Mahatma Gandhi Day in Chicago further underscores the profound impact of her leadership in fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Indian Counsel General Somnath Ghosh, reflecting on the event's growth and significance, expressed gratitude to Mayor Johnson for fostering an inclusive environment that embraces the city's diverse communities.

“We have about 260,000 Indian, Indian American, Indian origin people (here), so thank you, Mayor, for making it a great home for them and for hosting Holi every year,” said Counsel General Ghosh.

“This is the second year of celebration for me, and I see it is even bigger than last year. I hope to see the event continue to grow in the years to come and look forward to many more celebrations in Chicago,” he added.