Consulate General of India
Chicago

Press Release

Kala Utsav 2025

The Consulate General of India held its annual flagship event Kala Utsav 2025, held at the Yellow Box Theatre in Naperville. The event attracted over 500 attendees.

The program commenced with the lighting of a traditional lamp by Consul General Somnath Ghosh, accompanied by Ward 10 Alderwoman Ms. Shweta Baid and Mr. Gautam Bhatia, Naperville Township Trustee. In his opening remarks, Consul General Ghosh expressed gratitude to dignitaries, members of the diplomatic community, Indian American organizations, friends of India, and ethnic media groups. He emphasized the Consulate's commitment to supporting and promoting Indian languages, culture, films and arts at universities and institutions where there is interest. While acknowledging that Kala Utsav alone is not enough, he noted that it aims to spotlight emerging youth and artists and that the Consulate plans to host more events and collaborate with various organizations to strengthen Indian-American cultural ties. Despite India's vast diversity in languages, culture, and religions, he underscored that its core strength lies in its unity in diversity. Alderwoman Ms. Shweta Baid, Mr. Gautam Bhatia, Ms. Saba Haider and Ms. Bhavini Patel also shared a few words during the event.

The performances included: Bharatanatyam dance by Nrithya Sangeeth School of performing arts; ; Odissi Classical by Aikyam ODC Chicago; ; Bhangra recital by Bhangra Rhymes Chicago;  Mohiniyattam classical dance  by Bharathanjali School of Dance ; Kathak fusion dance by Team Laya from Maharashtra Mandal of Chicago; Semi - Classical / Creative dance by Bengali Association of Greater Chicago; Patriotic Dance by Shirlzar Dance Company; Haryanvi regional folk dance by Bolly Bhangra; Bharatanatyam by Soorya Dance School; Regional Folk dance by Uttarakhand Association of Chicago; Folk dances of Tamilnadu by Nalinapadam; Kathak classical dance by Taal Dance Company; Cinematic Folk by Team Ghunghuru. Ms. Anindita Anaam was the emcee at the event.

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