Sant Nirankari Mission Chicago branch hosted a “Diwali Mela” on November 20, 2010 at Canton School in Streamwood, IL.

Over 600 people enjoyed an evening filled with family fun and entertainment. There was one thing common in the Diwali Mela 2010, it entertained the organizers, the participants and the guests, in fact anybody that entered the hall that day left with a smile on their faces. However, entertainment was not the main goal of that evening. Ever since the construction of the new Bhawan began this summer, the Chicago sadh sangat has been committed to raising funds to aid this noble cause. The Diwali Mela was one in a chain of fundraising events.

The stage showcased the entertainment in the form of continuous songs and dances performed by many Indian groups chosen from local areas, a fancy dress competition, songs and DJ by the Nirankari Mission. The audience attracted the families and friends of the numerous participants. The periphery of the hall was lined with tables sporting token/raffle sale counters, food and drink stalls, games, mehndi, nail art, face painting and much more. In this way, people had the choice of partaking delicious Indian snacks and dinner while enjoying the entertainment.

It was a labor of love and seva that was able to put up such an event where the cost of production was low. The audience spent money on the food, raffle and games and enjoyed the talent shows for free. The free distribution of Diwali Mela souvenir magazine provided a few pages of spiritual and religious interest and many pages of advertisements that were very successful in collecting for the fundraising purpose.

With the blessings of our Satguru, the hard work of numerous devotees of the Sant Nirankari Mission contributed to the success of this fundraising event and also served the purpose of giving a recognition to the Mission in the eyes of the public.

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