CHICAGO: Gandhi Samaj of Chicago, one of the oldest cultural organizations of Indian-Americans, presented “Bharti Desai Midwest Queen of Garba” on Saturday October 8 at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, a north west suburb of Chicago. It was celebrated by over 700 GSC members, friends, and well-wishers.
For the Garba, as usual, members adorned beautiful and traditional attire for Chaniya-Choli and Kurta-pajama. The whirling dancers, clapping hands, distinct sound of wooden ‘Dandia’ striking together, toe tapping music and people wearing vibrant colorful clothes marked the Navratri celebration.
This year, the Navratri celebration was organized among others by Keyur Ghayal (President), Hitesh Gandhi (Executive Vice President), Roma Bhagat (Cultural Secretary).
The Aarti table was beautifully decorated in the center of the hall with pictures of Amba Mata and Modheshwari Mata.
Garba Queen of Midwest Bharti Desai enthralled the audience with her charming personality and melodious voice. She started with Three Claps Garba” kum Kum Kera Pagale Madi.” She then sang classical”Raksha Karo Ambe Maa Bhavani”. She continued amazing Garbas in Two Taali. In Raas everybody enjoyed Disco Dandia, Sanedo, Amu Kaka Bapa Na, Bhai-Bhai, Hitch. She sang according to the Khelaiys’ request.
Bharti Desai was complemented by Amit Desai (Manager & Side Rhythm), Arpit Pathak (Dhol &Tabala), Shivam Thakker (Drum Player), Ali Saad (Key Board), Nikhil Thakkar (Sound Engineer) and Chirag Thakkar (Sound Engineer). It was an excellent, enjoyable, exceptional event that culminated with delicious variety of food which included Traditional Pav-Bhaji, Samosa-chole chaat, Mango Lassi, and tea.
“We are prepared and ready to tackle the big crowd with a solid executive plan,” said Hitesh Gandhi, Exec Vice President of Gandhi Samaj. Hitesh Gandhi announced that the next program will be on Saturday November 5 to celebrate Diwali.
Suresh Bodiwala
