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St. Charles. April 8 & 9.
The long awaited Zee Heritage India Festival/Challenge 2006 "Zamane Ko
Dikaana Hai", hosted by Rushi Entertainment and Chicago's very own Desi
Junction Radio- has left behind memories of an explosive, colorful
extravaganza which could compete with the best of Bollywood shows. The
past weekend will serve as a benchmark of what an all encompassing Indian
event should be. Anything that has been done in the past, pales in
comparison.
The 'mela' included booths from all over the U.S. Saris, kurtis, real and
costume jewelry, art, house wares, sporting equipment and so much more
were just some of the many wares that shop owners and wholesalers brought
to display. There was also an array of service booths that included
airlines, travel services, banks, satellite services and much more. And
who can forget the food? Again local as well as national restaurants
filled the DuPage Expo center in St. Charles with the sweet and savory
aromas and flavors that the sub-continent is famous for.
The entire area wore a festive look with a rainbow of Indian saris and
people with traditional dresses, more than 2400 people attended the event
that featured a glittering program including music and dance competition
hosted by Desi Junction team, a local Indian radio station.
The Show started with the Indian and American national anthems that were
sung by Alicia and many other children from the audience. The dance and
the singing completions were hosted by Jassi Parmar and Sonia Lecce, who
brought lots of energy for the audience and participants.
For last four years, Heritage India festival has become synonymous with
the arrival of spring season. Just like many festivals of this season in
India, this festival in Chicago symbolizes the onset of newness and
happiness. Rushhi Entertainment brings it to Chicagoland with a new flavor
every year. The special spice to the Zee Heritage India Festival this year
was the addition of the enigmatic team of Desi Junction that has joined
hands with Zee TV and Rushhi Entertainment in bringing this spectacular
event to Chicagoland . This organization, which is only five years old,
took a massive step to unearth the raw talent and bring it to the masses.
A traditional bazaar and food court was all set up for the attendees, who
turned up in large number to promote and support Indian culture.
“The two day of so much culture, Heritage, shopping, food, Entertainment
and so much talent all under one roof at the Zee Heritage India Festival
was spectacular. The crowd from little kids to our grandparents all
enjoyed to the max. The shopping and the bargains on sari’s, Kurti’s,
shoes, jewelry was like your back home in India.” Said Simi Verma
marketing director Desi Junction Radio
This year, the attendees were able to can catch a glimpse of the true
colors of India, there was fragrant food, vibrant apparel, elegant
jewelry, energetic entertainment and unique attractions make the festival
an ideal way to spend a leisurely afternoon with the family. Variety of
Food Stalls included Pepper & Salt Restaurant that had Moughlai food, with
taaza jalebis. Taj Of India served North Indian food with Makki Ki Roti &
Sarson Ka Saag with Punjabi Lassi. Jai Hind Foods served Vegetarian
Gujarati & Maharashtrian snacks; Mansoon Bay launched a new variety of
Indian Fast food. There was Chaat Papdi stall along with a Greek Food
stall.
The real focus of energy of the two-day event was the Challenge 2006
singing and Dancing Championship. Desi Junction Radio's team bent over
backwards to weed out Chicagoland's best of the best in solo song, solo
dance, and group dance all categories having a Jr. and Sr. section
categories. Although all participants were highly talented and put into
the competition every drop of perfection they could, the competitions of
each day culminated in tears of victory and defeat.
More than 300 participants jumped to avail this rare opportunity in
this distant land to participate in Challenge 2006 competition. The
preliminaries held on March 18, 2006, gave clear hint of what to expect on
April 8 &9, 2006. “The phone lines for participation was flooded even
after the last date was over, we had to turn away many contestants just
because they were late in registering” said Bhagya Nagesh, Desi Junction’s
events coordinator.
“We want to encourage our youngsters & adults to live out their dreams and
we have provided them a platform for all these stars to shine” said Jassi
Parmar , founder and CEO of Desi Junction Radio.
“In the late 70’s and early 80’s Indians were scarce. As a child I always
dreamt of a time when Indians would not be looked upon as a joke but be
celebrated in a grand event such as this. I am humbled and grateful to be
a part of the Desi Junction Team and to be able to share a stage with such
spectacular talent” expressed Sonia Lecce Hostess and Special Events
Director of Desi Junction Radio.
“For this judging this highly competitive contest, our challenge was to
arrange the most versatile artists/teachers in dancing and singing field
to judge the contest” – said Charandeep Singh who was given the
responsibility of coordinating with the judges. “Their unbiased and
professional judgments encouraged the participants to offer their best.”
Adds Charandeep. The judging panel included names like Shaivangi Nirav,
Bhupendra Singh, Hari Malhotra, Mona Malhotra, Priyanka Salwan, Thakar S
Basati, Jyoti Mohan, Mr. Jodh Singh Rawat, Parminder Walia, Shalini
Saxsana, Sunita Singh, Dr George David and VK Williams.
“5 years ago when Desi junction was launched we were searching for some
way to connect Indian American children back to their culture a nd roots,
and this event is the step towards achieving that dream.” Said Vijaya
Chaturvedi Desi Junction’s research coordinator.
“The talent show was something out of sight. The participants made us
realize that they have not forgotten our culture which was evident in our
children who were born and brought up in America.” Said SP Verma on of the
volunteers.
On these two days, people came to the Zee‘s Heritage India Fest to shop
the authentic Indian garments, jewelry and enjoy the tasty and flavorful
food. And they were spellbound to watch awesome and splendid presentation
of our culture and heri tage on the stage. Desi junction team left no leaf
unturned to dish out this production in absolute professional way.
Mesmerizing performanc es of the artists of all the group ages left
indelible mark on the minds of the over 2000 strong audience.
“It was our objective to provide the participants with the best possible
environment to perform and show their talent. “ said Bhagya Nagesh the
competition coordinator for Desi Junction.
Desi Junction team not only fulfilled the dream of hundreds of talented
people, it also gave away cash prizes amounting to $5000 to the winners of
thi s competition. Thanks to the strong support of American Airline,
American Airlines, Sajneee Inc. and Park Dental that not only supported
our effort financially but also gave away numerous valuable free gifts to
the lucky winners.
The organizers of different organizations have congratulated Desi Junction
for this great event.
The Winners
In Dancing competition, the contestants from all age groups exhibited what
they have leant from parents teachers and friends. Fifteen teams performed
in junior and senior groups. In the junior dancing groups, with a
mind-blowing performance, Payalia Dance Studio Group took the first place.
Second and third place went to Hindu Satsang Youth Group and Kuchipudi
Natya Vihar. Senior Dance groups brought in talent from all over Chicago
but Kalapadma Dance Academy and UIC’s Dhamaal owned the sage, with a
narrow margin they were took first and second position.
In Solo dancing competition, just as seniors there was a medley of
classical and contemporary items. Nineteen dancers exhibited their
performances on the stage. In junior solo, Urvi Kahre got the top honors
and closely followed by Miska Gidwani and Natasha Verma. In the Senior
Solo’s contest the evening belonged to Aditi Acharya, Reemlee,
Dharchowdhary and Hardik Soni.
The singing competition brought back the reminiscences of great singers of
past and present. The participation of thirty-eight contestants in the
preliminary round showed that Chicago waited for too long to provide
appropriate exposure to this hidden aptitude. In the senior group six
singers reached finals but when Farhan Zaidi took the stage and performed
Sonu Nigam’s song, he was declared number one singer with comfortable
margin. Follwed by Ravi Shanker Subramaniam in second position and the
third position was shared by Pooja Oza and Shailaja Iyer. In the junior
group there were only three contestants but 5 years old Joanna Mathew was
the darling of the crowd. With her 'Dhoom machale' number she brought the
audience to their feet. Desi Junction not only declared her the top singer
of the cate gory but also The Best Performer of th e competition.
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