Punjabi Sports fest returns to Palatine, where it all began

The Punjabi Cultural Society's 14th annual Punjabi Sports Festival will be back in Palatine this weekend.

The Indian-based sports and entertainment festival returns to the suburbs - and the Palatine Park District - after last year's event was held on the North side of Chicago.

"The purpose of this event is to bring people out so they can bond with each other, have fun and play games," said Amarjit Atwal, president of the organization.

Palatine Mayor Rita Mullins, who opens the ceremony every year, said the sports festival is usually held in Palatine because the village is home to both the cultural organization and the Sikh Religious Society, the prayer center for many Chicagoans from the Punjab region on the border of India and Pakistan.

"It's an opportunity for the community to come and observe the Sikh community while having fun participating in the traditional games of the Punjab region of India," Mullins said.

About 700-800 people from all over the Midwest are expected to attend the free festival, which is being hosted at the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine.

The festival will include organized games of soccer, volleyball, musical chairs and a three-legged race. But the main attraction of the day is Kabaddi, a Punjabi game of tag and tackling. Sports teams had to register by last week, but Atwal said the games are a lot of fun for spectators as well.

"(Kabaddi) is a very physical game," Atwal said. "It's interesting for the little kids to see how hard it is to go out and play it."

Keeping with the event's sports theme, Atwal said she has scheduled fitness demonstrations throughout the festival to promote healthy living.

A colorful parade of drummers, dignitaries, banners and balloons will officially kick off the festival in the park at noon Sunday. Following the parade, everyone is invited to eat free food, including choke (a chick pea dish), jalebis (deep-fried desserts) and rice and curry.

Carnival-style games will be aimed at all age groups, but this year's focus will be on young children, since Atwal said children's games have been lacking in the past.

"Kids really need our attention," Atwal said. "Whatever time we can give kids, it's really worth it."

The festival is a great time to teach these children about their Punjabi heritage within an American context.

"We all try to bring our culture into our kids so that it stays preserved, but on the other hand, they also have a choice of American culture, so hopefully they pick the best of both cultures," Atwal said. "In order to survive, you want your heritage to continue, but you live in the Western world, so you want to know what goes on here, too."

In addition to allowing Punjabis to network with each other and experience a bit of home, Atwal said the event can also be an educational opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds, and promotes understanding among different peoples.

"It would be really good for American people to come out there and just learn about a different culture," Atwal said. "We are a fun-loving, peace-loving people."

If you go

14th annual Punjabi Sports Festival, Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 E. Wood St., Palatine.

9 a.m.: Games begin

Noon: Parade through park; free lunch

3 p.m.: Kabaddi game

6 p.m.: Festival ends

Cost: No charge

More information: www.pcschicago.org.