Above / India Day Parade will step off at 11AM from Naperville North High School and follow Mill Street to Jackson Avenue.
Update, Aug. 11, 2023 / “We are down to the last 3 days, we are excited to get this event kicked off into high gear! The weather looks amazing 80+ degrees on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Park setup began today with tents starting to be put up, stage will be setup by Saturday afternoon! Parade line ups are done, booth assignments are done! A lot of heavy lifting has been done thus far and bit more is left for the week,” emailed Krishna Bansal, Chairman Indian Community Outreach, Friday evening.
He also noted that at 11AM August 13, the parade will kick off from Naperville North High School along Mill Street to Jackson Ave. Be prepared for some road closures and residential street parking restrictions from 7AM to 1PM. Park only in assigned parking areas and approved remote areas.
Original Post, Aug. 8, 2023 / Indian Community Outreach in Naperville will celebrate the occasion of India’s 76th Independence Day with its annual the India Day Parade and Celebration on Sun., Aug. 13.
India Community Outreach (ICO) also will be celebrating its tenth year since its inauguration on August 15, 2013, when former Mayor George Pradel welcomed spectators to the event. In just nine years, this attractive event has become the largest Indian American celebration in the country. In 2022, the event attracted more than 40,000 people from all over the USA to participate in their love for India, culture, and community, noted Krishna Bansal, Chairman of ICO.
“India Day Celebration is going to be even bigger and better this year,” added Bansal. “The event will begin at 11AM with our mile-long colorful parade. Following, the program will include a local talent show, ethnic Indian food, clothing, jewelry, and a grand concert by India’s Bollywood superstar.”
India Community Outreach Hosts Feature-Rich Event
With celebrations spanning the entire day, the special event encompasses the true nature of a festival—food, cultural show, parade and music.
More than 30 booths will present their products. Find a health fair providing pre-screening for common ailments, an international food court with “scrumptious menu from various local and out-of-state vendors, as well as an ethnic Indian bazaar with fashion, clothing, and jewelry to attract the attention of the attendees,” organizers note.
Parade Steps off at 11AM along Mill Street to Jackson Avenue
Unlike in previous years, the parade will begin at 11AM from Naperville North High School, providing participants and spectators a more comfortable climate. Known for its colors and vibrancy, this year’s parade will follow Mill Street to Jackson Ave., with international Bollywood star, Daler Mehndi, as the grand Marshall, waving both the Indian and United States flags in commemoration of this joyous event, organizers said.
The parade will present more than 60 entries, including multiple intricately and beautifully-decorated floats, various community organizations, businesses and public figures.
The parade also will showcase culture, dances, and uniqueness from over 20 states of India. Numerous motor bikers of Indian origin as well as exotic, vintage cars will distinguish the procession.
All-day Stage Shows at Rotary Hill
After the parade, an all-day stage program at Rotary Hill will feature a local talent show; young singers, Vivek Agrawal & Madhuri Patibanda; and Up-Beat DJ Sets by DJ Salman & DJ Sajan Vadali.
The free Health Fair will be set up from 1PM to 5PM with multiple providers such as blood pressure screening, blood sugar, bone density, on-site physicians and more.
Indian Rock Star Daler Mehndi will headline talent
The evening program will kick off with both the Indian national anthem and the U.S. national anthem.
Highly acclaimed Indian Rock Star, Daler Mehndi, is prepared “to set the stage on fire” with internationally renowned songs such as “Tunak Tunak Tun” and more.
“The crowd will surely be dancing into the night,” Bansal suggested.
The top winners of the local talent show will have the chance to perform again in the evening program as well.
As in previous years, esteemed guests such as the Mayor of Naperville, Consul General of India, Congressmen, Senators, Trustees, and other prominent leaders of Chicago and Naperville are expected in attendance in both the parade and evening celebration.
Thanks to Event and Platinum sponsors Tech Companies of Chicago, New York Life Insurance, Shree Energy Group, and Woodridge Clinic, the event is entirely free to all attendees.
Members of ICO are working tirelessly day and night to ensure a very structured, organized and safe event that will leave a memorable mark on all participants.
Find more India Day information at www.indiancommunityoutreach.org or call (630) 300-0345.
Line Up of Festivities from Parade to Concert
- Parade Lineup: 9AM
- DJ RGB: 9:30AM
- Vibrant Parade: 11AM along Mill Street
- DJ Salman: 12:30PM
- Local Talent Show / Dance Competition: 1:30PM – 3:30PM
- Live singing: 3:30PM featuring Vivek Agrawal and Madhuri Patibanda
- DJ Sajan Vadali 4:30PM
- Introductions and Speeches 6PM
- Concert: 7PM
Non-Stop Activities on 2nd Stage: 12:30 – 5PM
Admission is free.
