Lights, Culture, Action! UPA’s Vaisakhi Mela 2025 Ignites Punjabi Pride in America

The vibrant spirit of Punjab lit up Chicago as the United Punjabis of America (UPA) celebrated Vaisakhi Mela 2025 on April 12, 2025, with more than 100 plus electrifying performers, making it the largest Vaisakhi celebration in the United States. The event was a colorful tribute to Vaisakhi – a festival that marks the harvest season and commemorates the birth of the Khalsa.

Under the dynamic leadership of Atul Wahi, President of UPA, the event was a resounding success. From soulful music to energetic bhangra and a joyous atmosphere, the Mela captured the essence of Punjab’s culture and community in America.

The celebrations officially commenced with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony by esteemed dignitaries including the Mayor of Aurora (elect), John Laesch, the Mayor of Naperville, Scott Wehrli, UPA President Atul Wahi, Chairman Brij Sharma, and other Board members, symbolizing unity, light, and a prosperous beginning.

The day featured the much-anticipated Mr., Mrs. & Miss Punjabi Contest, hosted by Ashwani Mahajan and Atul Wahi. With grace and flair, contestants showcased their talent and cultural pride. Mrs. Rimple Dogra, Miss Kiran Kaur, and Mr. Vipan Wadhera emerged victorious and were crowned amidst great applause. The panel of judges Mr. Raghbir Singh, Ms. Ginny Jolly, Ms Rama Kalra and Ms. Gurleen Kaur had the tough task of choosing among many worthy participants.

A major highlight of the event was the formal launch of UPA’s brand new website:

https://upachicago.org. This comprehensive online platform offers a window into UPA’s

community initiatives, events, and programs, and serves as a one-stop resource for anyone looking to connect with the vibrant Punjabi American community. The website was developed and donated to UPA by LLT group. With easy navigation, event highlights, and organizational updates, the website is a major leap forward in UPA’s digital outreach and engagement strategy.

Another proud moment was when Alderwoman Shweta Baid and Professor Dr. Rajan Sachdeva were honored for their outstanding community service and leadership. Their contributions continue to inspire generations of Indian Americans.

A surprising moment came with the launch of the UPA Anthem “Punjabi Tashan”, conceptualized by Falguni Sukhadia, with thumping beats and soul-lifting music by Neel Sukhadia. This anthem, with its fiery dhol rhythms and catchy chorus, brought to life the pride, color, and vibrancy of Punjabi culture in America.

The cultural program, flawlessly emceed by Neha Sobti and Falguni Sukhadia, was a visual and emotional spectacle. Dance groups choreographed by Fal Rana, Mahaswata Ganguly, Sunny Aheer, Anu Bhattacharya, Prerna Arya, Puja Joshi, Upasna Malhotra, and Kashvi Nagpal delivered stunning 18 performances ranging from classical and folk to high-energy Bollywood. Bhangra ruled the evening – with audience members leaping into circles, waving hands in the air, and dancing with unmatched enthusiasm and joy. Dhol beats reverberated through the venue as everyone joined in a celebration and as Dr. Raj Dhingra said “Truly felt like home away from home.”

Special appreciation was extended to Dharam Punwani, whose unwavering support and

involvement played a critical role in the event’s success. Atul Wahi personally recognized and thanked him during the evening. As dusk settled in, the atmosphere turned electric with a live concert by the sensational Zain Baig, introduced by Atul Wahi. The crowd erupted as Zain performed mega-hits like “Laung Da Lashkara” and “Tunak Tunak Tun”, turning the concert hall into a Punjabi dance arena. The energy was contagious – people of all ages danced and sang. Zain Baig himself jumped into the audience with his mic and danced on Bollywood hits with his fans. Mr. Bharat Malhotra rightly said, “My memory instantaneously went back to my college days in India and our Cultural festivals. This one was even better than my teenage days”

This incredible 6-hour mela was conceptualized, guided, and brought to life through the tireless efforts and leadership of the UPA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, who worked for months to plan every detail and ensure a memorable experience for the community. The main Visionaries and Event Architects were the UPA Board of Directors: Brij Sharma (Chair), Girish Kapur (Vice Chair), Pratibha Jairath, Ramesh Malhan, Rosey Bhasin, Anu Malhotra, Madhu Uppal.

Ground Force and Program Executers par excellence were members of the UPA Executive Committee: Atul Wahi (President), Sarita Sood (Vice President), Neha Sobti (Vice President), Ashwani Mahajan (Secretary), Bobby Ahluwalia (Joint Secretary), Preeti Chawla (Treasurer), Poonam Bhala, Gurpreet Singh, Manmohan Shukla, Falguni Sukhadia (Cultural Chair), and Shivam Vishwanathan (Tech Lead). Their collaborative spirit, meticulous planning, and community-first mindset transformed an ambitious vision into a landmark celebration of Punjabi pride and unity in America.

This event was made possible by key sponsors including: International Fresh Market, Indiaco, Orochem, LLT Group, Dr. Raj Dhingra, Dr. Deepak Agarwal, Dr. Darsh Wasan, Property Addon – Rohit Dhingra, State Bank of India, Heartland Bank, Sunil Shah (New York Life), Om Signs, and Cuisine of India.

A bustling vendor fair featured Golden Sun Foods, Cuisine of India Care for Soul, New York Life (Jaspal Singh), AJ Garments, and many jewelry and clothing booths, adding color and commerce to the community gathering.

UPA (United Punjabis of America) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to empowering unity, culture, and progress. The organization promotes Punjabi heritage, supports community service and educational initiatives, and builds platforms for cultural exchange and among the diaspora.

Vaisakhi is not just a harvest festival, but also a day that holds great spiritual and historical importance. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration of the resilience and strength of the Sikh community. On this day, we remember the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, a moment that continues to inspire generations with its message of equality, courage, and devotion.

As we celebrate Vaisakhi, we also celebrate our shared journey—our roots, our rich culture, and the vibrant community we’ve built here in America. Despite being far from Punjab, the spirit of Vaisakhi keeps us grounded and connected to our heritage, reminding us of the importance of family, community, and faith.