CHICAGO, IL (TIP): The Federation of Indian Association Chicago (FIA) organized the biggest all day “Diwali Mela” celebration On October 1, 2017 from 11 am to 9 pm. This was an impressive Diwali Mela held for the First Time in Chicago, with multitude of activities including Live Bollywood concert with famed singer Richa Sharma, at Renaissance Convention Center, located at 1551 Thoreau Drive North, Schaumburg, IL 60173.

Program included Live concert with Richa Sharma, Lakshmi Puja, Diwali Shopping, Non- Stop Entertainment, Kids Fun Activities, Fashion Show and Food Stalls, all for just $10 per person with free parking! Over 3000 people visited the celebration from Chicagoland area and the Midwest region of USA. Diwali is synonymous with shopping for new clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and household items to name a few. Vendors showcased a variety of these items at FIA Diwali Mela from various parts of US 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 are at Mela.

Performances by Bollywood celebrity Richa Sharma and local talent were the highlight of the celebration. Full day entertainment included Indian classical and folk-dance performances, ranging from Bollywood, fusion and classical performances, Bollywood karaoke singing, Garba-Raas, and DJ Music. Dances were performed by Soorya Dance School, students of Gauri Jog, Shingari School of Rhythm, Rhythms and Grace, students of Toral Chaudhary, Alokita Dhar of Jhankar Dance Group, Natraj Dance Academy and 10 Dance Performances by IAGC members.

Pratibha Jairath, Ankit Mahajan and Swapnil Shah did an excellent job as Master of Ceremony.  Program started with Geetanjali Maru and Pratibha Jairath’s Bollywood song performance.

The Sufi Queen Richa Sharma is one of the best known “playback” singers in India today, “Music is in my genes,” she says. “I am singing now for 26 years. Her voice was popularized in number of films until the big hit came by in the form of Taal where she sang for A.R. Rahman. I sang my first song in a movie in 1995. Richa has sung in more than 150 movies and counting. I certainly thank the organization and fabulous crowd for their response and gratification. Crowd thoroughly enjoyed a vibrant and colorful event in Chicago. Melodious music extravaganza by The Sufi Queen, Richa Sharma and her orchestra was well appreciated by the audience. She kept the audience mesmerized by her soulful rendition. She was accompanied by a talented orchestra, who complemented her perfectly. Many of her peppy numbers inspired the audience to dance and enjoy the beats. Crowd thoroughly enjoyed authentic vibrant and colorful traditional event in USA. Melodious music extravaganza by The Sufi Queen Richa Sharma and orchestra concluded the evening.

(Photograph and Press release by: Asian Media USA)