Indian group plans cultural celebration around Hindu feast of Diwali

An Indian cultural group based in the Northwest Suburbs called UTSAV (Celebration) is holding its 5th annual gala from 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Oct. 29, at the Marriott in Hoffman Estates. The event marks Diwali, a major Hindu religious festival.

UTSAV is a not-for-profit cultural group that works to create an awareness of Asian Indian culture and heritage, especially among children. Since 2006, UTSAV events have focused on different aspects of Indian heritage such as festivals, fashion, music, dance and foods of India.

This year the theme will be “Taste of India and the Bazaar.” There will be a gala dinner, vendors featuring ethnic products as well as some local goods and a brief cultural program bringing together dance styles from the East and West. The group has about 300 members from the Chicago area and about 60 children will perform at the gala. Nikita Katial of Barrington Hills, the chief organizer, can be reached at Nikita@utsavus.com.