The Consulate General of India in Chicago organized its annual flagship event, Kala Utsav, to showcase India’s diverse and rich heritage as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at Naperville’s Yellow Box Theatre in Chicago. The event celebrated diversity and cultural pride through the performances by diverse cultural troupes from across the US Midwest region.

( L to R) CGI Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Bill Foster and State Senator Laura Ellman inaugurated the Kala Utsav. Image - Facebook/ India in Chicago

Consul General of India(CGI) in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Congressman Bill Foster and State Senator Laura Ellman inaugurated the Utsav and addressed a gathering of six hundred people. In his inaugural remarks, Consul General Ghosh thanked the dignitaries, members of the Indian American organisations and friends of India, and emphasized that the event is an endeavour to promote youth and upcoming artists.

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The CGI shared that the Consulate is planning more events and collaborating with organisations to strengthen Indian-American cultural relations. “Though India is the most populous country and there are numerous languages, cultures, and different religions, the fundamental strength of India is India's unity in diversity,” he added.

The artists highlighted the different styles of Indian dance from across regions including classical and folk art forms. Shreekant Shah and Sutanu Sur played the sitar and tabla, Nrithya Sangeeth and Natya Dance Theater performed Bharatanatyam, Bhangra Rhymes Chicago presented a Bhangra recital and a folk dance was performed by the Association of Haryanvis in America. The event witnessed Indian and Western musical fusion performances by the artists from Kalapadma Dance Academy, Shirlzar Dance Co. and I-Radha dance group.

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State Bank of India, Chicago sponsored the mementos given to the participating teams. The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, Arya Samaj of Chicago, North America Manipur Association and other several Indian American groups along with individuals contributed in organizing the event.