Chicago’s Now Arena reverberates with Indian Heritage Night celebration at Windy City Bulls game

March 19, 2024

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Vigorous and colorful dance performances were part of the Indian Heritage Celebrations at the Now Arena in Chicago March 14, 2024, during a Windy City Bulls game. PHOTO: FIA Chicago

The Federation of Indian Associations Chicago (FIA Chicago) held Indian Heritage Celebration at the Now Arena March 14, 2024, in a display of bright colors and vigorous, athletic performances.

Founder Chairman of FIA Sunil Shah inaugurated the event which was led by President Pratibha Jairath.

The Indian national Anthem being sung during the Indian Heritage Celebrations at the Now Arena in Chicago March 14, 2024, at a Windy City Bulls game. PHOTO: FIA Chicago

The US national Anthem being sung during the Indian Heritage Celebrations at the Now Arena in Chicago March 14, 2024, at a Windy City Bulls game. PHOTO: FIA Chicago

The FIA ensemble of Sunil Shah (Founder, Chairman FIA), Niel Khot (Vice Chairman), Vinita Gulabani (Past President) and Richa Chand (Performance Coordinator and Vice President FIA), kicked off proceedings with the Indian national anthem. This was followed by the US national anthem led by Nishika Dubey and Sahiba Siddu.

“The crowd erupted in a symphony of cheers, a testament to the unity and spirit encapsulated in both anthems,” a March 19, 2024, press release from FIA Chicago said

As the Windy City Bulls clashed with the Grand Rapids Gold on the court, the Indian Heritage performers delighted spectators with their dances displaying professional choreography and pulsating rhythms.

Organizers said the Olympic motto, “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” energized the level of community participation.

“This year witnessed an unprecedented surge in participation across all demographics,” organizers maintained. FIA had highest number of performers, more than 85, highest number of dance groups (5 groups), highest number of community appreciation certificates distribution (90+), maximum participation and involvement of the Indian diaspora in Chicagoland (400+) and covering all age groups, starting from 3 years to more than 80-year olds.

“With ticket sales eclipsing the past five years combined count, it was a testament to the tireless efforts led by Vice President Sonia Luther and Secretary-General Nilabh Dubey,” the press release said.

Community participation including from children to 80 years old members was the highest ever in the Indian Heritage Celebrations at the Now Arena in Chicago March 14, 2024, at a Windy City Bulls game. PHOTO: FIA Chicago

The evening’s performances, curated by renowned groups such as Laya, Suhani, Neha, Atarva, and Chicago Varsity Dance, showcased a seamless fusion of Indian heritage with global appeal, infusing the audience with a taste of Bollywood spice, organizers said.

“The grand finale saw spectators on their feet, swept away by the infectious rhythms permeating the aisles,” they added.

Windy City Bulls present certificate of appreciation to FIA Chicago during the Indian Heritage Celebrations at the Now Arena in Chicago March 14, 2024, at a Windy City Bulls game. PHOTO: FIA Chicago

Amidst the halftime excitement, the Windy City Bulls took a pause to honor the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) with a Certificate of Appreciation’ recognizing the significance of cultural exchange within the realm of sports. Shah and President Pratibha Jairath accepted the accolade on behalf of the FIA team.

Post-game revelry continued with a dinner hosted by India Foodie Lounge’s owner, Yagnesh Patel who lauded the leadership of FIA.