By: Ashwani Mahajan

Hundreds of members of the Punjabi American community gathered at Aashyana Banquets in Downers Grove for “Teeyan Da Mela 2026,” a celebration of Punjabi culture, women, music and community organized by the Punjabi American Organization (PAO).

The annual-style cultural gathering provided Punjabi families in the Chicago area an opportunity to reconnect with traditions associated with Teeyan, the Punjabi monsoon festival traditionally centered on sisterhood, women’s celebrations, music, dance and community bonding.

Dr. Darshan S. Dhaliwal, who served as chief guest, praised PAO for helping preserve Punjabi traditions in the diaspora. He encouraged younger generations to remain connected to their cultural heritage while growing up in the United States.

The program featured a mix of traditional and contemporary Punjabi entertainment. Performances by the Neha Sharma Group, Payal Virdi, Virasat Academy and singer Manmeet Kaur showcased dance and music rooted in Punjabi traditions. A humorous musical skit by Ritu Kaur added a theatrical element to the program.

A fashion show presented by local designer Aman Dhillon featured Punjabi suits, lehengas and fusion attire modeled by community members.

One of the evening’s highlights was the appearance of Harman Deep Kaur of Toronto, whose performance of traditional Punjabi Boliyan energized the audience and brought many attendees to the dance floor.

Beyond the stage program, the mela included a cultural bazaar featuring ethnic clothing, jewelry, accessories and Indian spices and masalas. Traditional Punjabi cuisine catered by Aashyana Banquets was also part of the celebration.

Organizers said the event was designed not simply as an entertainment program but as a way to pass Punjabi cultural traditions to younger generations living outside India.

“Teeyan Da Mela” has particular significance in Punjabi culture as a celebration associated with the monsoon season and the social and cultural bonds among women. For the Punjabi diaspora, such gatherings provide an avenue for maintaining those traditions while creating a shared community experience in a new homeland.

Gurleen Kaur, emcee, along with Laddi Singh, Gurpreet Singh and members of the Swera team, assisted with organizing the event.

PAO thanked the performers, volunteers, sponsors, vendors and attendees whose participation contributed to the success of the celebration. Community supporters included Vijaya and Brij Sharma, SUGA Builders and other local families and businesses.

The event reflected the continuing effort of Chicagoland’s Punjabi community to preserve its cultural identity while sharing its traditions with younger generations.