Several organizations collaborate to celebrate Holi in Chicago

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On Saturday, March 23, 2025, several organizations got together to host Holi celebrations in Chicago at the Navy Pier.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Navy Pier in Chicago to celebrate Holi March 23, 2025. PHOTOS; Asian Media USA

The event was co-hosted by Navy Pier Global Connections, in partnership with ComEd, the Pratima and Niranjan Shah Foundation, Sue Ling Jin Foundation, and the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, a press release from Asian Media USA said.

“This memorable celebration represents the Power of Partnerships. It honors the diverse international communities that make up Chicago, celebrates the best of their culture, and supports the desire for others to experience the American Dream, all of which makes our city stronger,” Smita N. Shah, board member of Navy Pier and ComEd, and chair of the Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities, is quoted saying in the press release.

Smita Shah, Navy Pier Board member and Chair, Delhi Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International; Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias; Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton. PHOTO: Asian Media USA
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“It is fitting that only in Chicago, the world’s greatest City, that you will have the world’s largest Pier, with the world’s widest embrace, and now the largest Holi event in the US,” noted Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Pratima Shah and Niranjan shah with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. PHOTO: Asian Media USA

Apart from Mayor Johnson, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza- joined to recognize the importance of the contributions of the Indian Diaspora. The Indian Consul General for Chicago Somnath Ghosh was also among the high-profile attendees.

One of several dance performances at the Holi celebrations Saturday, March 23, 2025, in Chicago. PHOTO: Asian Media USA

“Illinois has the second largest percentage of Indians in the country. We are a cultural hub. We create opportunities for people of all cultures to come together, to experience a little bit about each other, and to see that we are stronger together,” said Lieutenant Stratton said.

Illinois Secretary Giannoulias came with his young daughters. “This is a community about family, a belief in higher education, and having opportunity. These are the values of our City and State,” he said.

Attendees at the Holi celebrations held in Chicago’s Navy Pier, enjoy the tradition of color throwing. PHOTO: Asian Media USA

For four hours, those present enjoyed cultural programs, ate samosas and drank lassi, joining in color throwing. All of this was accompanied by Indian DJs in the garden.

“This entire event is just pure joy. I am so honored to be here and to celebrate with one of the great Chicago communities,” said Illinois State Comptroller Mendoza said.

“It is so wonderful to see so many people from throughout Chicago join to celebrate on the momentous occasion of Holi!” Consul General Ghosh said, adding, “I am particularly pleased to see so many City and State leaders join us and recognize the many contributions of this community in family values, education, business and medicine. I am proud to be a part of this celebration.”