When a stranger made me feel I belong
“Tell me YOUR story.” is not a thing I often hear at a corporate gig. Sometimes, I am just a vendor who is there to provide an exciting experience. People participate wonderfully and then turn back to their work conversations. But not yesterday.
I had the opportunity to do a Diwali dances and stories workshop at a joint celebration between Capco, Molson Coors, Mars, and more. Not only was it beautifully organized, but every person who participated was so engaged! I was already beaming after the workshop when someone came over to learn more about me. More people joined, and then some more, and suddenly I felt that I fully belonged in that space.
Cultural celebrations in the workplace are not simply about an event or a holiday. They are one of the few moments when people feel invited to connect as humans. When a space encourages curiosity, conversation, and genuine listening, it creates a true sense of belonging.
And while I am usually the one working towards this goal at events, yesterday, a kind stranger did the same for me.
Thank you to the organizers who made that environment intentional and thoughtful. It was clear that this was not just a “Diwali activity” but a meaningful effort to create an event where people can show up as themselves. And that matters far beyond one evening.
2025 Public Diwali Events
Join us this Diwali as we combine Indian Dances and Cultural Stories in an incredibly fun way!
Magic of Diwali: India’s Festival of Lights!
All around Chicagoland and even Michigan!
In this unforgettable Diwali Celebration Workshop, you’ll be swept into a dazzling journey of lights, joy, and culture as we explore one of India’s most magical festivals.
Here’s what awaits:
✨ 5-day Adventure: Travel through the five festive days of Diwali, from Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj, through exciting stories that explain each day’s meaning in the most joyful, inclusive way.
✨ Dance Through the Days: Learn easy, high-energy moves inspired by Indian dance styles, bringing each part of Diwali to life with rhythm!
✨ Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re a curious explorer or a seasoned Diwali fan, this interactive event is ideal for kids, families, teens, and adults.
Let’s Celebrate Diwali, India’s dazzling festival of lights!
Chicago Kids Diwali Party!
Get tickets to our annual celebration! Diwali Dance, Stories, Snacks, Craft!
Public Free Event Schedules
???? Oct 7, Prospect Heights, RSVP Here
???? Oct 10, Bartlett, RSVP Here
???? Oct 11, Aurora, Details Here
???? Oct 12, Skokie, Details Here
???? Oct 14, Elmwood Park, RSVP Here
???? Oct 15, Mundelein, Details Here
???? Oct 16, Clarendon Hills, RSVP Here
???? Oct 18, Plymouth, Michigan, Details Here
???? Oct 18, Canton, Michigan, Details Here
???? Oct 25, Bolingbrook, Details Here
Chicago Kids Diwali Party!
Join Bubbles Academy AND Bollywood & Culture Groove for another year of the Ultimate Kids Diwali party!
Diwali is the festival of lights and is the most popular festival in India.
Location: Bubbles Academy, 1308 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Date/Time: Sat, Oct 25, 4 pm to 6 pm
Join us for an afternoon of fun and excitement including:
* Diwali Storytime
* Make a cool Diwali Craft
* Diwali Dance Party!
* FREE Snacks by Patel Brothers
Tickets are $30 per child.
Join Youth Troupe – Ages 9 to 18
Learn beautiful, energetic Indian dances and perform at prestigious events!
All children and teens ages 9 and up are invited to join our performance Youth Troupe. bG performs at major events and venues throughout Chicagoland.
Class/Rehearsals
Sundays @ 2 pm, Dance Center Chicago, 3868 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Fall 2025 Dates: Sep 14 to Nov 16 – 10 Classes. Calendar. Fee: $300
Due to high interest, parents are also invited to attend along with the kids.
2025 Shows So Far
Holi at Navy Pier
Chicago Summer Dance Festival/Taste of Chicago
Wicker Park Fest,
Anderdsonville Midsommarfest
Skokie Fest & more!
Princess or Cow Urine?
Which of These Two Children Are You Raising?
In a small rural town with no Indian residents, I walked into a local school to lead a cultural workshop. As I stepped in front of them in my Indian outfit, a little girl looked up at me with wide eyes and whispered in awe, “Is she a princess?”
Her voice carried the kind of genuine wonder that only young children have, untainted and curious. It was so heartwarming to see that even a different outfit was opening up a new world to this little one!
A week later, I was in another town with a similar demographic, presenting the same workshop. This time, I asked the students to guess a traditional Indian drink often enjoyed during festivals. Among the enthusiastic guesses came a voice, flat and rehearsed: “Cow urine,” a boy said smugly, with an expression that was daring me to react.
For a moment, I froze. Not because I didn’t know how to respond, but because I knew exactly what I was witnessing. This wasn’t an innocent guess. This was something overheard and absorbed from adults who should’ve known better. A child of that age wouldn’t use the word “urine”.
Two children. One, raised with wonder. The other, raised with bias.
I have seen both in my workshops around the country. And while it would be easy to dwell on the negativity, I choose not to. Because the truth is that kids are not born with bias. They’re taught to see the world through either a lens of curiosity or contempt. And we, parents, educators, and community members, get to decide which lens they grow up with.
The little girl who called me a princess reminded me that even in places where diversity is scarce, it is possible to expand their worldview through new experiences.
So here’s my ask to you: Raise the child who sees magic in difference. One who asks kind questions. One who listens before they laugh. Because when we teach kids to meet the unfamiliar with curiosity, we build a kinder and better world.