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ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.
More than 1000 people attended “Rangla Punjab 2015” hosted by Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) as its flagship annual event to celebrate Vaisakhi festival here at Meadows Club April 4. More than 200 performers of all ages rendered 22 ‘colorful’ (rangla) acts in this talent show. Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini of Advanced Pain Management Clinics, Wisconsin, was grand sponsor and Balwinder Nick Singh was chief guest. Accompanied by Matt Flamm, Democratic Committeeman of Greater Palatine Area, Raja Krishnamoorthi (D), candidate for Congress (from IL-8) lauded PCS’ work.
PCS Vice President Gurmit Singh Dhillon welcomed the audience. A prayer (shabad) by a children’s group from Palatine Gurdwara Gurmat School opened the program. Its four segments were emceed by Jaslin Kaur Nanua and Amanjeet Kaur Sandhu, Ranjit Singh Bains and Ajay Bhangu, Mona Bhalla, and Guru Dhaliwal and Thakar Singh Basati. Entertainment included Bhangra and Gidha dances, Punjabi songs and music by locals and guest artistes from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.
“UIC Bhangra” from University of Illinois at Chicago rendered a breathtaking performance. Women’s dance by “Milwaukee Gidha” and “Shaunkanna Chicago Diyan” were nostalgic reminders of rural Punjab that won hearts with their fast beat music, stellar acts and colorful costumes. Punjabi songs rendered included “Tere Larh Laghiyaan” by Kanchan, “Main Tenu Samjhavaan Ki” by Pratibha Jairath, “Apna Sangeet” by Mahijit Singh Virdi, “Chittiyaan Kalaayiyaan” by Mona Bhalla and daughters, “Sannu Nehar Wale Pul te Bula Ke” by Parina Mehrotra, “Patiala Song” by Mandeep Singh Saini, “Jatt Yamla Pagla Diwana” by Sanjeev Vij, and “Kabaddi” by Tara Multani rendering the song from his own album.
“The fast moving four-hour program with participants ranging from five to 50 in age was incredible, one of the best I have ever seen in community programs. My eyes were glued to the stage and everyone around me loved it,” said Dr. Sanjay Mehrotra a professor at Northwestern University.
Rajinder Singh Mago conducted the awards ceremonies assisted by Sunny Kular and Mohinderjit Singh Saini. Outgoing PCS president Pardeep Singh Deol and outgoing PCS chairman Dr. Hargurmukhpal Singh were awarded plaques for their excellent services; Dr. Bhupinder Singh Saini by the PCS board and executive committee for his ongoing moral and financial support. The honorees praised the work of PCS and urged community support.
P.C.S. also recognized its boards of governors and advisors. The event owed its success to many sponsors, organizers, coordinators and volunteers. Participating children were trained by PCS since January.
Vendors set up stalls to sell novelty merchandise in the lobby, where posters of Sikh soldiers in World Wars I and II were also displayed.
The post Punjab’s Colorful Culture Showcased at Vaisakhi Festival appeared first on News India Times.
