Above / Indian Community Outreach again hosted its India Day Parade and Celebrations in 2021 and is returning to downtown Naperville with live entertainment from noon to 10PM Sun., Aug. 14, 2022. This year’s celebration again will take place on Rotary Hill along the Riverwalk. The parade begins at 4PM from NNHS along Mill Street to Jackson Avenue. (PN Photo 2021)
Celebrating 75 years of India’s independence, the 2022 event is set from noon through 10PM in the heart of Naperville. Festivities will pay tribute to Indian culture through dance, an Indian bazaar, health fair, food and other tastes from the 7th largest country by area in the world. A Bollywood concert featuring Guru Randhawa, an Indian singer, songwriter and music composer, will be among the Main Stage announcements with entertainment that begins at 5:30PM. The concert is set to start at 7PM.
For updates and more info, visit www.indiancommunityoutreach.org.
Updated Post, Aug. 8, 2021 / The India Day Parade stepped off at 4PM in the sunshine along Mill Street, with sounds of joyful music and sights of colorful costumes. The parade concluded with an abundance of cheers and applause before threatening skies shrouded the evening festivities at Rotary Hill.
Much to everyone’s disappointment, Indian Community Outreach was unable to proceed with the evening’s festivities due to predicted back-to-back storms.
“In order to ensure everyone’s safety, it is only best to conclude the event early today. We thank you all for coming out and hope that next year everything works out in our favor,” officials noted.
For 2022, the India Day Parade is set for Sun., Aug. 14.
Updated Post, Aug. 7, 2021 / “We are down to the wire and we’re excited to get this event kicked off into high gear!” said Krishna Bansal, Chair of the Indian Community Outreach on Saturday. “The weather looks amazing 80-plus degrees on Sun., Aug. 8, 2021. Park setup began today with fences, tents are starting to be put up, stage was setup Saturday morning! Parade line ups are done…Booth assignments are done! A lot of heavy lifting has been done and we’re ready to celebrate.”
Bansal asks that visitors and residents park only in designated parking areas. Signs will indicate road closures along Mill Street (the parade route) and some side-of-street parking will be unavailable. Look for parking in approved remote areas.
Parade entries have been sending details of their floats. As the parade moseys along Mill Street to Jackson Avenue beginning at 4PM, the colorful event promises to be filled with enthusiasm for freedom, independence and a family-friendly good and safe time!
Original Post, Aug. 4, 2021 / The community is invited to experience the 7th India Day Parade and Celebration beginning at noon, Sun., Aug. 8, concluding with a free Bollywood concert featuring Sukhbir Singh at 7PM. Festivities will be hosted at Rotary Hill until 10PM.
India Day Parade steps off from NNHS at 4PM
On the occasion of India’s 74 years of India’s Independence, large decorated floats, classical and modern dancers in colorful Indian costumes, and more will be featured in the India Day Parade when it steps off from Naperville North High School, 899 N. Mill St., at 4PM, ending at Rotary Hill.
Throughout the day, ethnic food and drinks; a children’s area; fashion show; and booths featuring Indian ethnic dresses and jewelry will be among the highlights.
Since 2015, India Day has grown into one of the largest Indian American festivals in the USA. The colorful event has been instrumental in bringing the Chicagoland and Midwest community together to experience Indian culture and heritage via its parade, food and entertainment, according to Krishna Bansal, chairman of Indian Community Outreach.
“It’s hard to believe that it is our 7th India Day Parade,” said Naperville resident Vasavi Chakka, who serves on the board of Indian Community Outreach. “My favorite part of the India Day celebration is the parade as it depicts the spirit of the celebrations. Even though India is one country as a republic, its unity in diversity makes it incredibly beautiful. The Indians united as one brought freedom to India.”
Chakka went on to explain that she’s the granddaughter of a Freedom Fighter who fought along with Mahatma Gandhi for India’s freedom from British rule.
“It means a lot to me to see the united spirit of the Indian migrants in the USA celebrating 74 years of India’s Independence by beautifully showcasing their diverse culture, color and charisma to represent values of inclusion, diversity, peace, secularism and freedom,” she said.
“I want to thank Naperville for embracing India day as one of our community’s signature events and supporting it to go stronger than the year before. On behalf of Indian Community Outreach, I welcome everyone to join the celebrations on Sun., Aug. 8.”
Gates open at noon. Admission is free. A local talent show is scheduled from 12:30PM to 3PM. The Main Stage Program begins at 6PM with introductions and speeches at 6:30PM, followed by the Bollywood Concert at 7PM.
Rotary Hill is located along the Riverwalk at 43 Aurora Ave., across from Naperville Central High School.
