Aurora’s 2025 Diwali Celebration Shines Bright with Unity, Culture, and Community Spirit
Aurora, IL – October 15, 2025:
The Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board (IACOAB) illuminated Aurora’s 1801 N. Eola Road with color, culture, and community at the city’s 2025 Diwali Celebration. The event drew nearly 3,000 attendees who gathered to mark the Festival of Lights with traditional music, dance, food, and togetherness.
Free admission and parking encouraged families and visitors to enjoy over 45 vendor stalls offering handcrafted jewelry, festive attire, and Indian delicacies. The aroma of spicy chaat and sweet gulab jamun filled the air, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The celebration opened with IACOAB Chair Nitin Fuldeore lighting a ceremonial diya, symbolizing renewal and hope. In his welcome address, Fuldeore thanked the event’s volunteers, sponsors, and vendors, encouraging everyone to “spread joy and positivity.”
Aurora Mayor John Leasch delivered a video message linking Diwali’s message of good triumphing over evil with the city’s own theme as the “City of Lights.” He encouraged residents to embrace unity and optimism.
Dignitaries attending included Congressman Bill Foster, who praised the event for inspiring the next generation to uphold cultural traditions, and Mr. M.S. Chauhan from the Consulate General of India in Chicago, who emphasized Diwali’s universal message of harmony. Ward 10 Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Aurora’s first Indian-American elected official, received warm applause for her remarks celebrating diversity and inclusion.
The cultural program featured a variety of performances — from classical dance and vocal music to instrumental fusions such as a tabla–saxophone jugalbandi and a crowd-energizing rendition of “Jai Ho.”
Since 2014, IACOAB’s volunteer-led Diwali celebration has become a cornerstone of Aurora’s cultural calendar. Former Chair Gautam Bhatia reflected on the board’s journey and community growth post-pandemic. Mayor Leasch presented a proclamation honoring IACOAB for its contributions to promoting cultural understanding and community harmony.
The Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley was recognized for its continued scholarship partnership with IACOAB, awarding $10,000 to ten local students this year — part of nearly $49,000 in scholarships distributed to 49 recipients since 2017.
As the night concluded, guests continued to enjoy traditional Indian cuisine and vibrant market stalls. Event coordinator Nadia Kanhai extended gratitude to volunteers, School District 204, staff, and sponsors for their roles in making the event a success. Mayor Leasch closed the celebration by inviting attendees to Aurora’s downtown Festival of Lights, continuing through October 26.
Aurora’s 2025 Diwali Celebration stood as a radiant symbol of unity, diversity, and cultural pride — a reminder that the light of community continues to shine brightly in the “City of Lights.”
