Bollywood Groove at Navy Pier Holi! Sun Times & WBEZ
On Saturday, March 22nd, we received the opportunity to perform at Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier at their annual Holi event.
Huge thanks to Chicago Sun-Times (article) and WBEZ (article) for featuring us in their coverage of the event.
Take a look at the amazing performances that our students put together!
Dance
Ages 9 to 12 performed Ghoomar and Kalbelia dances from Rajasthan
Watch Video!
Dance
Ages 6 to 8 performed Dholna Bollywood dance from Rajasthan
Watch Video!
Hindi Language
Ages 6 to 8 describing Holi via Hindi phrases
Watch Video!
Rajasthani Folk Art
Ages 6 to 8 created this wonderful art installation of Hawa Mahal via Phad folk art of Rajasthan.
10 ways to celebrate Holi at Schools
It’s Holi and you plan to do *something* around the festival at your kids’ school.
Or maybe you are a teacher who wants to create a more multicultural and inclusive environment in their classroom.
Here are some easy ways to provide a memorable cultural experience!
1. Introduce the Festival
Give a brief introduction and explain the significance of the festival.
Download the free celebration kit that includes 15 Holi activities along with the school presentation slides.
2. Storytime with Holi Tales
Books are a fantastic way to get the celebration going!
Share age-appropriate stories from Holi such as the legend behind the festival, the deeper meaning behind the festival, and so on. Check out Maya/Neel’s two Bestselling Holi books!
3. Make Fun and simple Holi crafts
Nothing better than a hands-on activity! I love these two because of how easy it is to both arrange for the material and also for kids of all ages to do.
Craft for Older Kids – Sliding Pichkari (download the free celebration kit at the bottom of the page for template and step-by-step instructions)
Craft for Younger kids – Prahlad Bonfire Lamp
4. Screen Kid-friendly Holi videos
Show educational and engaging videos about Holi to help children better understand the mythology and the story of Holi but in a age-appropriate way.
5. Invite a Guest Speaker/Author/Dance Instructor
If possible, bring in a guest speaker from the community, like a parent, author , or cultural educator, to speak about their Holi traditions and answer children’s questions.
An Indian dance workshop is another way to provide a fun and hands-on cultural experience!
Ajanta provides incredibly fun Holi interactive experiences at schools, libraries, and corporates.
6. Host a Holi Quiz
Use this template to host a fun Holi quiz! Offer small rewards for participation to make learning fun and interactive.
download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
7. Holi Shark Rhyme
Little kids will absolutely adore this fun Holi rhyme to the tunes of Baby Shark. From Gulaal and Pichkari to Gujiya and Thandai, it has all the fun elements of Holi!
8. Dance Along with this Fun Holi Dance
Works great from K to Grade 5. Other than all the elements of Holi, it also enacts the story of Holi.
9. Holi Spot & Color Activity
The perfect activity to end the day with! The quick quiz will help them remember everything they learned and then they can color the Spot & Color activity page.
Remember, repetition is key for younger kids. While you might get bored, kids love hearing the same fact multiple times 🙂
download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
10. Teach Hindi Colors
What a perfect opportunity to learn colors in Hindi!
For younger kids, use this Finger Family rhyme
For older kids, teach them verbally and then give them the “Match the Hindi colors” activity in our free celebration kit. Download the free celebration kit at the bottom of this page
March 15 – Chicago Kids Holi 2025!
Celebrate India’s Festival of Colors with Bollywood & Culture Groove and Bubbles Academy!
Join us for a one-of-a-kind Holi celebration for kids in Chicago, with Bollywood dancing, cultural exploration, Holi art, Indian snacks, and play Holi with real & organic colors!
Location: Bubbles Academy, 2184 N Elston Ave.
Parking: park in Bubbles Academy’s parking lot
Time: 2 to 4 pm CST
What to wear: if you plan to play Holi, please wear something that is easily washable. Usually, winter jackets, etc. can get completely cleaned of the Holi colors once they go through the washer/dryer but please dress according to your discretion.
DEI and Feminism – A Cycle of Intentional Misunderstanding
The term “DEI hire” has been reshaped into something it was never meant to be. Let’s set the record straight: hiring through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts does not mean bringing in unqualified candidates based on their identity. It simply means that everyone has an equal opportunity to be considered for a role.
Both conscious and unconscious biases have long shaped hiring decisions. Historically, systemic barriers have made it disproportionately harder for individuals from marginalized communities to even get a fair shot. DEI initiatives aim to level the playing field, ensuring talent is assessed for what it truly is—capability, skills, and potential—rather than overlooked due to preconceived notions or systemic disadvantages.
We have seen this pattern before. The word “feminism” was originally about advocating for equal opportunities, yet over time, it became unfairly associated with misandry, radicalism, and extreme behaviors. Even women who believe in gender equality sometimes hesitate to use the term due to the baggage it has accumulated. Now, a similar distortion is happening with DEI.
This cannot and should not be allowed to happen. DEI is a concept rooted in fairness, in giving everyone a chance to contribute, to thrive, and to be judged on their merit rather than factors beyond their control. At its core, it aligns perfectly with the American vision of “liberty and justice for all.”
Regardless of the shifting political landscape, let’s hope that corporate America continues to uphold these principles. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because diverse teams have been repeatedly proven to drive innovation, performance, and business success. The strength of an organization—and of a nation—lies in its ability to embrace and uplift all its members. Let’s ensure that DEI remains a force for progress, not a victim of misunderstanding.
Summer Camp 2025
Incredible India Summer Adventure
The perfect combination of Dance, Sports, Folk Art, Hindi, and more!
FIVE DAYS OF ULTIMATE CULTURAL IMMERSION
Join us for an incredibly fun adventure as we journey through India in 5 days! Each day, the participants will explore different elements of Indian Culture and learn about
DANCE
Students will learn dances inspired by five different regions of India while learning stories about the lives of the people from there.
FOLK ART
Students will explore the fascinating folk art from each of the 5 regions, centuries-old traditions that turn storytelling into breathtaking works of art.
HINDI
Students will learn Hindi words and phrases tied to the theme. This creates a more meaningful learning experience.
CRICKET
That’s right! Students will learn about cricket, the most popular sport in India, and they will even try playing it themselves!