Chicago IL: Punjabi American Organization (PAO) organized their 12th annual event, Teeyan Da Mela held on Sunday – July 24, 2016 at Waterford Banquet, 933 S Riverside Dr, Elmhurst, IL. Dedicated to Bibi Jaswant Kaur Dhaliwal, mother of Sardar Dhaliwal from Milwaukee, the much awaited event was showcased for “Ladies only” where even very bashful timid ladies have opportunity to come forward and show their hidden talents. Teeyan is an honorable word in Punjabi Culture which gives a great reorganization and respect to women as mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law.
Teeyan is the dance festival of Punjabis, celebrated by women in the month of Sawan. One sees the finest Giddha performances as a part of the festival celebrations. The festival continues from the 3rd lunar day in the month of Sawan till the full moon day. Punjabi Americans Organization aims to promote unity and progress and preservation of age old rich culture and tradition of Punjab.
Under the leadership of Naiha Walia, President of PAO, who the youngest woman President of any such organization in Midwest Area, the banquet hall was crowded with over 500 attendees composed of ladies and children dressed in multicolored Indian time-honored clothes. The organizing Committee welcomed the audience and thanked all the sponsors for their generous donations. The event started with the traditional open Dholki, where the audience was invited on to the stage to participate in group singing of Punjabi traditional opening “Saun da mahina” songs.
This was followed by dynamic MC and Punjabi singer, Deepika Singh who took the stage. She is from Van cure Canada, Actor, Singer and excellent Master of Ceremony. Cultural vibrant Dance Punjabney Shaukeen Kudiye was performed by Noor, Amneet, Seerat, Shubreet, Jasmine and Aman. Next, singers from Midwest region Mrs. Pooja Dhaliwal, sing song “Saanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aavey” entertained the crowd by their on stage talent. Followed by Pooja Dhaliwal there was Dance by Saroj Berry and Dhol Play, and Two Songs by Sabrina Sappal. Sabrina Sapal she is young tenanted girl came to entertainment to Chicago. She rising star among youngster
This year PAO introduced ‘Mrs. Punjaban contest determined by individual personality, beauty and talent. Total 7 contestant participate for Mrs. Punjaban Contest. Jeewan Dhami, Gurjit Kaur, Navneet Kaur, Prabh Khiara, Satinder Kaur, Simran Kaur and Jas. First (winner) Mrs. Panjaban name is Prabh Khaira and Second winner (runner up) is Simran kaur. Prabh Khaira won the crown of Mrs. Punjaban.
Fashion show was chorerographed by Naiha Walia and Sim Multani. Models walked the ramp with a mixed blend of custom designed outfits and dresses which had Swaroski work, hand embroidery, detailed thread work, crystal stone patterns, gotta patti by elite designers of GetEthic.com. Beautiful and budding models namely Avneet Singh, Gurneet Singh, Mehar Parmar, Karen, Hundal, Jazmin Diaz, Hannah Singh, Aman Natt, Jasmine Kaur, Seerat Kaur, Simran Walia, Simran Khanna, Samar Kaur sparkled with their amazing catwalk and attitude on ramp. Fashion show displayed outfits such as stunning suits, spectacular sarees, splendid lehengas, trousseau collection and heavy pure silk gorgeous bridal wear as the showstopper worn by none other than Miss Illinois.
Organizers decorated the event hall with Punjabi pupates, saris, and other traditional Punjabi dresses as well as with colorful clothes, flowers, and garlands. It appeared like a rainbow spread across everywhere in the event hall. The upcoming event for Punjabi American Organization will be Diwali Night in October 2016.
