CHICAGO: The Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) along with the host community the Chinese Americans of Illinois joined together in celebrating the 15th Annual Asian American Festival in recognition of the month of May as Asian American & Pacific Islanders Heritage Month at Daley Center Plaza Chicago from May 16-20.
Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) and others represented the Indian American Community and also supported the planning and execution of the festival. PCS participated in the ethnic wear fashion show and also demonstrated the act of turban wrapping at Daley Plaza.
“Being visible in mainstream events like these is the first step towards civic engagement which helps community building and coalitions building on road to empowerment,” said Rajinder Singh Mago of PCS who is also on the board of AACC.
The festival showcased delicious Asian-ethnic cuisine and unique Asian American merchandise. Also lending additional color to the festivities included lunch hour Asian Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Laotian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thailand, dance performances, music, martial arts, turban wrapping, Henna art, to name a few.
The opening ceremonies on May 16 started with a cultural procession on the Daley Plaza displaying an array of Asian American native attire from their respective countries lead by a Chinese dragon, lion, and drums.
At the final day of the festival, the gavel was passed on to the next year’s host Pakistani American community, accepted by Sadruddin Noorani.
Upcoming P.C.S. programs include: “Punjabi Youth Graduation & Scholarship Award Night,” on Sunday June 12 at Viceroy of India Banquets, Lombard Illinois.
Harish Rao
