Sample a variety of Indian cuisine while listening to Bollywood favorites performed by Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King.
The sights, sounds and flavors of India will fill Schaumburg’s Boomers Stadium on Sunday during a celebration of India’s 69th Independence Day.
“It’s like Cinco De Mayo for Indians,” said Neil Khot, vice president of the Federation of Indian Associations.
The festivities begin at 2 p.m. at the Schaumburg stadium, and conclude at dusk with a fireworks display. The celebration commemorates India’s independence from the British Empire on Aug. 15, 1947.
Over the past several years the Federation of Indian Associations has been celebrating Indian Independence Day throughout the area, but this is the first time the organization is hosting a large-scale event in a stadium.
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“This year we are taking it all the way to the top level with the stadium, having a singer from India come,” he said.
Lahiri will perform throughout the day. He has popularized the use of synthetic disco music for Indian films, and as music director composed more than 5,000 songs for more than 500 films.
The Independence Day event is expected to draw 3,000 to 5,000 people to Boomer Stadium, in addition to several elected officials and dignitaries such as Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti, Indian Counsel General; Ausaf Sayeed; and mayors from villages in the area.
More than two dozen vendors will be on site selling food, beverages and clothing. A variety of activities will take place throughout the day including a flag hoisting, dance performances, a fashion show, henna, games and carnival rides.
“At the end of it, we are going to have fireworks for seven to 10 minutes,” Khot said. “The fireworks will be done by the same company that is currently doing it at the Boomers stadium.”
The activities will appeal to young and old, he said, while celebrating Indian culture.
“For the Indians who have been here many years, this is like being close to home,” he said.
While there is parking at the stadium, it is also close to public transportation.
“It’s just about a five-minute walk from the Metra station from Schaumburg,” he said. “If anyone from the city would like to come by, they would have easy access.”
Tickets can be bought in advance online and will be available the day of the event. Regular tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 at the gate. Premium tickets cost $12 in advance, $14 at the gate. Premium ticket-holders get seats closer to the performance stage and are entered into a raffle for two round-trip tickets to India.
Ticket prices were kept affordable through contributions from the local community and business leaders, Khot said.
“The idea in the end was to not make any profit, but to just break even and make sure families have a fun time,” he said.
Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter.
India’s 69th Independence Day Celebration
When: Sunday
Where: Boomers Baseball Stadium, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
Tickets: $8-$10 at gate; Premium tickets are $12-$14. Seniors older than 65 are $5. Children younger than 5 are free.
Information: facebook.com/pages/69th-Independence-Day-of-India-2015/577599502363035