Building for the Long Haul: What 10 Years of Maya & Neel Taught Us About Legacy and Impact
Woke up to an incredible Amazon Chart this morning, and it made me reflect…
How did we do it?
If I may be so bold as to offer tips, this is what they would be:
2026 BollyGroove Diwali Party
Join us for a Magical Diwali celebration with Bollywood Groove and the Bubbles Academy Team, featuring dances, storytime, art, and snacks!
**** PERFECT FOR KIDS AGED UP TO 8 YEARS OLD ****
Remember the wonder of Diwali when you were growing up – the glow of the diyas, the beat of the music, the warmth of coming together, and the sweetness of the treats?
Or perhaps you’re looking to start new traditions with your multicultural family and share the joy of Indian culture for the very first time.
This year, give your little ones those exact same unforgettable memories right here.
Join us for an enchanting, hands-on Diwali celebration designed to bring the rich traditions of the Festival of Lights to life through movement, storytelling, art, and play.
Date/Time: Friday, Nov 6th, 5 to 7 pm
Location: Bubbles Academy, 1308 N Elston Ave, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60642
Tickets: $30/child. Adults are FREE!
Advance registration required.
Up to 2 adults may accompany each registered child.Parking: small parking lot on site. Street parking available on Magnolia and other side streets.
Event Highlights:
Interactive Storytime & Dance with Ms. Ajanta: Award-winning author of the Maya/Neel book series, Ajanta Chakraborty will lead a vibrant, high-energy session! Kids won’t just listen to the story; they’ll dance, act, and step right into the magic of Diwali.
Diwali Keepsake Art Project: Guided by the Bubbles Academy team, your child will create their own festive Diwali masterpiece to take home and treasure.
Open Play & Festive Treats: Let them explore, burn off energy in our play space, and enjoy delicious kid-friendly snacks together.
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
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???? Oct 14, Elmwood Park, RSVP Here
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2025 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.
