Our Bureau
Naperville, IL
On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the Mall of India was transformed into a breathtaking kaleidoscope of culture and joy. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chicago hosted a multi-sensory Holi masterpiece that seamlessly blended ancient tradition with contemporary celebration. Under the visionary guidance of Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, the event marked a historic chapter for the leadership team led by President Altaf Bukhari and President Richa Chand, in orchestration with General Secretary Kamlesh Kapoor.
The Grand Opening: Dignity and Distinction
The electric atmosphere was set in motion by FIA’s dynamic emcees: FIA President and all rounder Richa Chand, joined by Munish Kaistha whose vibrant energy ignited the ambiance as they kicked off the cultural program and welcomed the participants to the stage.
Founder Chairman Sunil Shah then took the stage to warmly welcome our guest Somnath Ghosh, Consulate General of India in Chicago, who commended FIA for its unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Indian heritage across the United States. The stage continued to shine with distinguished dignitaries, including Alderwoman Shweta Baid and Oakbrook Mayor Larry Herman, who emphasized how cultural festivals like Holi serve as powerful bridges that unite people of all backgrounds.
Adding to the moment was the presence of FIA’s esteemed Advisory Board: Yogi Bhardwaj, Vijay & Brij Sharma, Keerthi Reevori, Ajeet Singh, Dinesh & Pinky Thakkar, Sushma Bhanot, Nimish Jani, and Dr. Meher B. Medavaram, alongside FIA First Lady Rita Shah, creating a stage filled with leadership, legacy, and community -pride.
The Backbone of Success: The “FIA Rockstars” Team
“Moments like these are created with love and selfless effort”, remarked the leadership. The Founder Chairman Sunil Shah added that the event’s flawless execution was a true testament to the FIA Rockstar Team of volunteers.
• The Forward Thinker: FIA Past President Vinita Gulabani led Stage Décor and T-shirt Design, collaborating closely with both FIA Presidents and Chairman Sunil Shah.
• Foundational Support: Past Presidents Anu Malhotra, Hitesh Gandhi and Dr. Kamal Patel provided essential operational strength.
• The Workforce: Dinesh Kapoor, Smitesh Shah, Sujay Shah, Prashant Shah, Shivam Viswanathan, Hemendra Shah, Jitender Balsara,Kamlesh Kapoor Sonia Luther, Neelam Jai, Leela Patel, Neeraj Malik, Ajanata Talukdar, Suresh Bodiwala, Ramesh Punatar, Suresh Bodiwala, Seema Patel, Rajeev Ranjan, Seema Patel ensured every detail ran seamlessly.
• Cultural Showcase: Falguni Rana shined in her dual role of program coordination and breathtaking choreography, joined by Mehta, who brought multiple performances to life.
• The Rhythm: DJ Mahesh & DJ Sarita kept the josh soaring throughout the celebration, fueling the energy of the cultural performances.
Cinematic Magic: Riya Sen Honors the Community
A major highlight of the day was the arrival of Bollywood star Riya Sen. Elegantly styled by Vinni’s Salon; Riya captivated the audience with her charm and grace. Beyond her presence, she played a pivotal role in the formal ceremony—presenting Certificates of Honor to cultural performers and awarding Lifetime Member Certificates to dedicated supporters.
Riya expressed her admiration for the high caliber of talent and the “vibrant energy of India” alive in Chicago, making her participation a deeply encouraging moment for the community. A Cultural Extravaganza
The stage came alive with a whirlwind of talent, including:
• Suhani Dance Academy: Vibrant sets by Falguni Rana, Dolly Gupta, and Sonika Khandelwal
• Shirlzaar Dance Academy, Payel’s Vocal Studio, Telugu Sangam Swar Priya, Mona Kapoor & Asha Mehta’s Morni Baga Ma, Holi Definition by Kids, Gunjali Mittal & Chetna Mittal, Rang Barse By Neha Jain & Asha Mehta, along with Richa Chand, Smitesh Shah & Team.
• Sridevi Pandala’s Sapphire Dance Group was a Show Stealer!
• Sonia’s & Priyanka’s Giddha Team: A powerhouse performance that had the entire hall dancing • Vocal Magic: Soulful performances by great singers Raju Bankapur, Shaila Khedkar, Haresh Masarani, Dr. Sheela Shah, Abbas Ali Mirza and FIA President Richa Chand along with a vibrant Garba duet by Jigna Pathak and Jeetendra Bulsara.
Grand Finale: A Cloud of Joy and Gratitude
As the celebration spilled outdoors, the leadership team—Founder Chairman Sunil Shah, President Altaf Bukhari and President Richa Chand—along with the Rockstar Team, launched a 25-foot blast of color into the Naperville sky. To the crowd, this wasn’t just Gulal; it symbolized unity, friendship, and the positivity that FIA embodies.
