(Image source from: Chicago Tribune)

The second annual Celebrate Naperville in Naper Settlement this year will put the spotlight on the Indian American community. The is every year organized to recognize and honor the city’s diverse and culture.

The event, slated to take place Sunday will explore Indian community’s heritage  through art, music, dance, and food in synchrony with the current Settlement exhibit, “Beyond Bollywood: Indian Americans Shape the Nation,” created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.  

Mehndi, the sale of authentic Indian accessories, a Sikh history lesson, a fashion show and a demo for turban tying by the Sikh Outreach Society will be highlights of the event.

“It’s important that as a community we acknowledge the past, understand our present and learn from each other to affect our future,” said Abbey Bobzin, communications team leader for the Settlement. “As this event evolves each year to showcase a different facet of the Naperville story, it serves as a springboard for the community to connect, understand, and propel forward.”

In addition, the event will also have music performance by Shikha Tandon, cricket demonstration by Knights 11 cricket team, and author Sonali Dev will lead a History Speaks lecture - “Reshaping Immigrant Fiction, an Indian American Author’s Journey,” and sign copies of her books, including her recent one, “Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors.”   

The attendees can also relish Indian food from local restaurants like Cuisine of India and Dalicious Indian Restaurant.

This year settle took Indian American culture in prominence as the South Asian community is a significant part of Naperville’s history and is the fastest growing demographic in the city, Bobzin said.

“Our celebration of the local Indian American community and its contributions to our history and development gives us the opportunity to showcase all the wonderful people and cultures that make up our community,” she said.

The event will be held from on September 15 (Sunday) from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Settlement, 523 Webster St. Entry is free for Naperville residents, Settlement members and children under the age of 4. Nonmembers have to pay $12 (adults), $10 (senior citizens), and $8 (children).

By Sowmya Sangam