By: Jayanti Oza

Indian Community Outreach (ICO) has announced major changes to its 2025 India Day celebrations, citing new public safety and event compliance mandates from the City of Naperville as the reason for scaling back the event.

While the annual India Day Parade will still take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, beginning at Naperville Central High School, the day-long cultural festival at Rotary Hill and the evening concert have both been canceled. These events have been signature elements of Naperville’s India Day, drawing tens of thousands of attendees over the past decade.

“This was not an easy decision,” said Krishna Bansal, Chairman of Indian Community Outreach. “India Day has become a cornerstone event in Naperville, but the new city requirements—including park fencing, metal detectors, a clear bag policy, enhanced security, and increased cost-sharing—have added a financial burden of over $150,000, which our nonprofit simply cannot absorb.”

The new policies also limit space traditionally reserved for sponsors, reducing revenue opportunities that would have helped offset the expanded security costs. Bansal said the organization explored scaled-down alternatives and funding options, but continuing with Rotary Hill programming would put ICO at serious financial risk.

Founded over a decade ago, India Day has served as a major cultural celebration for Naperville, showcasing Indian-American contributions, supporting small businesses, and highlighting the city’s diversity on a national platform.

Despite the scaled-back format this year, ICO says it is exploring the possibility of hosting an alternate community event later in 2025 and fully intends to restore complete India Day programming in 2026 and beyond.

“We’re grateful to the City of Naperville, our volunteers, sponsors, and the thousands of families who make India Day special each year,” Bansal said. “This year’s celebration may look different, but our mission remains the same.”

For parade details and updates, visit www.indiancommunityoutreach.org or follow ICO on social media.