By: Dr Avi Verma, Pictures By: Ramesh Punatar

AIANA’s Third Asian Heritage Fest Celebrates Diversity, Culture, and Community Spirit in Naperville The third annual Asian Heritage Fest organized by the Alliance of Indian Americans of Naperville Area (AIANA) turned into a vibrant celebration of culture, diversity, and community spirit as hundreds gathered in Naperville on May 16, 2026, to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Led by AIANA President Madhu Uppal, the festival showcased the rich traditions, food, music, and artistic heritage of several Asian countries while promoting unity and cultural understanding within the community.

The event was honored by the presence of Somnath Ghosh and Bill Foster, who joined residents and community leaders in celebrating the growing cultural diversity of the Naperville area.

Country booths representing India, China, the Philippines, and Korea attracted visitors with interactive cultural displays and educational activities. Food vendors including China Station, Padi House, Tandoor Hut, and Chicago Nightingales offered authentic regional cuisine that drew enthusiastic crowds throughout the evening.

The festival also featured colorful performances representing China, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Russia, and the Philippines, highlighting traditional music and dance forms from across Asia. Free Mehndi art by Tanya Sood added a festive touch, while the energetic dhol performance by Jaslyn Singh had attendees dancing as the celebration concluded on a high note.

Several elected officials and community leaders also participated in the event, including John Leach, Shweta Baid, Ashfaq Syed, Michelle Mussman, DuPage County Board members Lucy Chang Evans and Yeena Yoo, Oakbrook Village Trustee Dr. Suresh Reddy, and Bolingbrook Village Trustee Bhavini Patel.

Community organizations and leaders supporting the event included Krishna Bansal of Indian Community Outreach, Nancy Chen of Chinese American Women in Action, Erica Wood of Frye Family YMCA, and Nina Menis of KidsMatter.

Organizers described the event as another successful step toward strengthening multicultural understanding and community collaboration in the western suburbs of Chicago. The celebration was made possible through a SECA grant provided by the City of Naperville.