BJUS hosts Deepotsav 2024 to celebrate community and culture in Chicagoland
By: Prachi Jaitly
The Bihar and Jharkhand Association of Midwest (BJUS) hosted its annual Diwali event, DEEPOTSAV 2024, on November 16 at the Hinsdale Community House in Illinois. The celebration was a vibrant display of culture, community, and joy, aimed at passing down the heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand to the next generation.
The evening began with Mrs. Shikha Kumari, BJUS President, and Mr. Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, lighting the ceremonial diyas. Mrs. Kumari welcomed attendees and expressed her gratitude to Mr. Ghosh, who delivered a keynote address encouraging cultural engagement and inviting participation in the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, an initiative for NRIs and OCIs by the Government of India.
The event featured a wide variety of performances, including a patriotic instrumental rendition of the Indian National Anthem by the ONE MIND group, a soulful rendition of “Achyutam Keshavam” by a group of toddlers, Bollywood-Bhojpuri fusion dances, and the Diya Dance to a Diwali-themed song. The celebration also included a lively DJ party, delicious Indian cuisine, and opportunities to mingle with others.
Shikha Kumari emphasized BJUS’s dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand in the Chicago area, thanking sponsors and supporters for making the event a success. BJUS, under her leadership, continues to host a variety of cultural and charitable events, including Holi celebrations, summer picnics, and sports events, fostering a sense of community and joy throughout the year.