CHICAGO: Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) participated in the 90th anniversary of Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade with a well decorated float, Ashke Bhangra Club team, Punjabi Dholi Manmeet Singh and DJ Miss Bhalla blasting Punjabi Bhangra music on State Street in the heart of downtown Chicago on November 28, 2024. The Chicago loop boomed with music.
The parade started at Ida B. Wells Drive at 8 AM, ending at Lake Street around 11 AM.
There was a diverse array of more than 100 units in the parade including 20 school marching bands from across the country, five majestic equestrian units, several festive floats, dancers, singers, balloons, specialty groups from Illinois and other states. Santa Claus, also made an appearance.
This annual parade has a multicultural focus, is an opportunity to share and celebrate cultures, showcasing all the colors of diversity in Chicago. The sights on State Street gave the spectators a chance to travel the world and appreciate other traditions, all without leaving downtown Chicago. It unifies people.
In terms of ratings, it is the second-biggest televised parade on Thanksgiving Day in the U.S.A.
“Participation in this parade has been an annual tradition with P.C.S. since 2005. It helps us create awareness about our community and culture in the mainstream, ” said Manjeet Singh Bhalla the P.C.S. President who participated with his wife and daughter.
Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the parade route on a brisk morning, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Lake Street. Many bundled up to brave the ice cold weather of the Windy City. Despite a frigid morning, crowds were warmed with excitement and holiday spirit. Some snagged their spots early to get a front row view. Thousands of cell phones were in action taking pictures, making videos and Facebook live. The parade was streamed live on Pluto TV watched by thousands more nationwide.
The young bhangra team in colorful costumes, coached by Navjodh Singh Bajwa and supported by the performers’ parents, displayed amazing energy throughout the parade route, entertaining the spectators, earning thunderous applause all the way to the end point.
“In addition to watching the floats, balloons, bands, and relishing the traditional turkey meal served at the family dinner table to celebrate the joy of holiday, the Thanksgiving is also known as a day to show gratitude, ” said Rajinder Bir Singh Mago P.C.S. Board of Governors and parade coordinator, “the theme of the P.C.S. float was gratitude towards the farmers of the world who grow food to feed the world, ” Mago added.
“PCS participation in this parade gives our community and culture great exposure in the mainstream, and it shows our commitment to celebrate the American festivals, in solidarity with all Americans, ” said Navtej Singh Sohi, Vice President of P.C.S.
Special guests for Chicago Thanksgiving Parade this year included Lynn Whitfield, who received an Emmy for her role in The Josephine Baker Story (1991) and currently appears in The Chi. The hosts for this year’s parade were Rock 95.5 personalities: Angi Taylor Morning Show host Marris and late-night show host Maria Palmer.
Chicago’s Thanksgiving Day Parade started back in 1934, when it was called the Christmas Caravan. The parade was created to help lift the spirits of those suffering through the Great Depression. The parade was first launched in 1934 as the “Christmas Caravan, ” intended to cheer up city residents in the depths of the Great Depression. And the beloved tradition has carried on. In 2007, the parade was televised for the first time, airing to viewers across the nation.
The parade is produced by the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
PCS' Upcoming Events:
- “PCS Drawing Competition” for children 5 years old to 16 years old will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10 am to 1 pm. Lunch will be served. First, second and third Prizes will be given to the winners in the 5 -10 years old age group and in the 11 – 16 years old age group. The participants can register on the PCS website www.pcschicago.org .
- "Rangla Punjab 2025, " Punjabi cultural variety program of performing arts, music, songs, giddha and Bhangra dances to celebrate Vaisakhi festival on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60630. Performance items coordinators and participants are requested to start forming teams. The item's registrations will begin in December. www.pcschicago.org .
- The 42nd Annual Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) Lunar New Year Dinner Banquet, ” is on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, IL, hosted by the Indonesian American community of Chicago. Dinner tickets are $150 each including parking. PCS has reserved several tables for our community. Please save a date and book your tickets asap. PCS has been an AACC partner, supporting and co-hosting AACC events.