Desi Talk Chicago to host fifth annual Diwali Mela Oct. 16
The fifth annual Desi Talk Chicago Diwali Mela is back in Naperville promising more fun and entertainment. It will be noon to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at Community Naperville Yellow Box, 1635 Emerson Lane in Naperville.
The chief guest will be the Consul General of India in Chicago. Other invited guests include Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, the Naperville mayor, and other elected officials.
In 2019, over 5,000 people attended the event featuring more than 200 performers. This year, the organizers anticipate attracting an even larger crowd.
Diwali is synonymous with shopping; new clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, household items to name a few.
Vendors showcase a variety of these items at Diwali Mela Chicago from various parts of U.S. and India for display and sale. The organizers pride themselves with showcasing a unique and artful number of items from vendors that are mostly home-based and do not have regular shops; so, the only way to buy these exclusive handpicked items is at Diwali Mela Chicago. Performances by Bollywood celebrities and local talent are the highlight of Diwali Mela Chicago. The full day entertainment for all ages includes Indian classical and folk-dance performances; Bollywood karaoke singing; Antakshari competition; Bollywood dances; Rangoli art; Garba, Raas and Bhangra dancing; DJ music; and more.
"We performed at the mela last year and are looking forward to this year's performance. It's a great platform for local dance schools to showcase their talent,"said one of the dance group coordinators.
The all-day event attracts crowds from the entire Midwest as it is a unique program with authentic shopping experiences.
In addition to the cultural performances, the shopping experience featuring stalls and variety of booths for clothes, ethnic jewelry, and special booth on children's stories book seem to be a huge attraction for the patrons. Dance varieties will range from Bollywood, fusion and classical. The venue offers free parking and free admission coupled with a great variety of entertainment and authentic shopping extravaganza.
"Desi Talk Chicago first started Diwali Mela in 2016 and its was very successful. It is very rare that an organization offers a free event to the public and that too at a great venue. Most of the events have a ticket price but Desi Talk Mela offers free admission and provides great entertainment and a variety of shopping booths for all ages," said Ilayas Quraishi, founder of this event.
Those interested in having a booth at the event may call (773) 856-3445 or (212) 675-7515, ext. 102 and for participation in cultural activities, call (201) 450-2818.
The title sponsor is a Sling TV, other sponsors include Radio Dil and ITV Gold.