By: Staff Writer, IndoUS Tribune

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chicago), in partnership with the Chicago Hindu Mahotsav Group NFP, hosted a joyful summer picnic on a warm Sunday, bringing together over 150 community members for a day filled with cultural celebration, music, food, and family-friendly entertainment.

Held in a festive atmosphere, the event featured traditional games, group karaoke, dance performances, and high-spirited Garba, engaging guests of all ages. The picnic provided a platform for cultural connection and celebration, strengthening bonds within the Indian American community.
Several distinguished guests attended, including Mafatbhai Patel of the iconic Patel Brothers, along with FIA past presidents and trustees such as Bhailalbhai Patel, Kantibhai S. Patel, Kantibhai N. Patel, Rakesh Malhotra, Dr. Rashmi Patel, and Raj Patel.

Spiritual leaders from Harisumiran Mandir — P. Guruprasad Swamiji, P. Harisanmukh Swamiji, and Himanshubhai Sheth — graced the occasion with blessings and invited the community to their August 10 event. Vineshbhai Virani, President of VHPA, also spoke about the upcoming “Support a Child” fundraiser on August 9, aimed at assisting underserved children in India.

Film producer Abhinav Raina invited attendees to the premiere of The Bengal Files, a feature that explores untold historical narratives with an eye toward justice and awareness.
Musical highlights included soulful Garba performances by Shikha and Tirth and devotional karaoke presented by the Saraswati Singers Group. Angel’s DJ, Chirag Patel, kept the energy high with crowd-pleasing tracks throughout the day.

FIA-Chicago President Hemant Patel expressed gratitude to Shailesh and Bela Rajput of Hindu Mahotsav Group for their leadership in organizing the picnic. He also thanked volunteers and sponsors whose support made the event a success.

Sponsors included:

Anil Singh (Red Tomatoes Restaurant), Joy Shah (Rapid Rasoi), Vinesh Virani, Rajubhai Shah, Rakesh Malhotra, Rajendra Thakkar, Care for Soul, Dynasty HomeCare, Dr. Nita Patel, Nirav Patel (Attorney), Horizon Accounting, and CHMG-Bela Rajput & team.

Upcoming FIA-Chicago events:

• • August 10: Walk in the ICO Naperville Parade (10:30 AM)

• • August 15: Flag Hoisting at Daley Center (morning) & Patriotic Diaro at Manav Seva Mandir (evening)

• • August 16: Tiranga Car Rally at National India Hub (1:00 PM)

• • August 22: Patriotic Gala at Manav Seva Mandir (6:00 PM)

• • August 24: India Independence Day Parade on Devon Avenue (10:30 AM)

The IndoUS Tribune commends FIA-Chicago and the Hindu Mahotsav Group for organizing a heartfelt celebration that continues to foster cultural pride and community spirit across the Midwest.