CHICAGO, IL: The vibrant sounds of dhol beats, patriotic songs, and Bollywood medleys echoed across Busse Woods Grove 18 in Elk Grove Village as Desi Junction Summerfest 2025 brought thousands together for a daylong celebration of Indian culture, community, and unity.
Held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, the free festival transformed the picnic grove into a bustling hub of tradition, music, and modern flair. From 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, families, seniors, children, and volunteers reveled in a colorful blend of performances, games, food, and cultural showcases.
“This wasn’t just an event — it was a celebration of unity, culture, and community spirit,” said Jassie Parmar, Founder of Desi Junction.
A Festival of Traditions and Togetherness
The day began with Langar Sewa, a complimentary community breakfast, followed by a heartfelt opening ceremony at 10:30 AM. Elders from across India — Delhi, Mumbai, Andhra, and more — symbolically kicked off the festivities, joined by Chaudhary Singh Sahab, an ex-minister from Uttar Pradesh who flew in from India.
“This program unites people from all Indian states, showcasing India’s diversity in America,” Singh Sahab told the cheering crowd.
With free entry, free parking, shuttle service, and free ice cream for kids under five, inclusivity remained at the heart of Summerfest.
Music, Dance, and Patriotic Pride
Cultural performances set the tone. Students of Gandharv Mahavidyalaya North America opened with Kathak and Hindustani classical music, while kids from Payel’s Vocal Studio moved audiences to tears with stirring patriotic songs.
The Dance Dhamaka competition turned the grove into a Bollywood stage, with children and youth dazzling judges like Amit Chakraborty, who recently performed with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan.
Winners included:
- Chicago Dance Varsity (Kids Category)
- Ashke Bhangra Group, Arthi’s Dance Academy, and Shelzar Dance Company (Youth & Adults)
Evening highlights included a Sundowner Dance Party and a high-energy Bollywood Antakshari finale that had the crowd singing classics together.
Games, Fashion, and Community Spirit
From tug-of-war and lemon spoon races to scavenger hunts and Antakshari rounds, families played for prizes including free tickets to concerts by Falguni Pathak, Badshah, and Kanwar Grewal.
The Saree Fashion Walk drew loud cheers as pageant winners and brand ambassadors — including Sara Bongale (Mrs. Midwest Universe) and Nirali Desai (Miss India Illinois) — showcased elegance and cultural pride. Participants even received complimentary salon treatments, adding a modern touch to the traditional showcase.
Food stalls serving golgappe, momos, and chaat kept energy high, while vendors offered clothing, jewelry, and festive deals.
Voices of Pride and Partnership
“Summerfest 2025 is our biggest and most successful yet,” said organizers Safalya Pani and Bhairavi K Thakkar, crediting over 30 volunteers and community partners.
Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, extended congratulations, adding:
“Events like this strengthen the bonds of the Asian diaspora in America, and we are proud to highlight them.”
About Desi Junction
For more than 24 years, Desi Junction has served Chicagoland’s South Asian community with cultural festivals, concerts, expos, and family gatherings. Driven by volunteers, its mission is to connect people through music, dance, food, and tradition.