Sold-Out Navratri Celebration a Success for Indian-American Organization

About 300 people attended the sold out 1st Annual Charity Garba/Raas to celebrate the Indian festivities of Navratri, organized by Hamara Parivar (“Our Family”).

The Nov. 7 event in Burr Ridge aimed to teach children about traditional Indian dancing, food and culture, said Dina Patel, one of the main contacts for the event.

Hamara Parivar was formed by a group of friends from the western suburbs of Chicago who all have young children.

“As children, we grew up going to garbas and learning about the culture from our parents. As parents, we now aspire to share similar experiences we had as young children,” according to the event page. “We recently formed Hamara Parivar to begin our journey of hosting cultural events for young families living in the western suburbs of Chicago.”

Patel said the organization is made up of young Indian-American professionals living in Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge and surrounding neighborhoods.

Bookwallah was chosen as the charity for the event. Children brought a few of their favorite books to the event to donate to orphans and children of trauma in India.

The Navratri holiday traditionally runs for nine days with dancing each night, Patel said. The charity event reflected the celebration with traditional Indian dancing, food and crafts for the kids to learn about Navratri.

“We are very excited for this first event and are amazed at the response and enthusiasm we have received,” Patel said.

About 30 volunteers helped with the food, setup, donations and organization of the event.

Photos courtesy of Dina Patel.