INDIA DAY USA

Naperville Councilman Ian Holzhauer joins India Day celebration

Thursday, 22 Aug, 2024
Councilman Ian Holzhauer (far right) and Councilwoman Allison Longenbaugh (next to him) take part in the one of the largest celebrations of Indian culture and heritage at Naperville’s India Day on August 11, 2024. (Photo provided by Conculman Ian Holzhauer)

Naperville, IL: Naperville City Councilman Ian Holzhauer attended the 10th India Day parade and celebration held in Naperville, Illinois,this past weekend. He remains a strong advocate for a close relationship between Naperville and its growing Indian-American community. 

Recently, Councilman Holzhauer made history as the first elected official from Naperville to join a U.S. delegation in the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) exchange in 2023. He was one of seven delegates chosen to participate in this 13-day trip to India, where he met with members of the Indian parliament, regional officials and government ministers and traveled to Delhi, the historic ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur and the temple-rich city of Bhubaneswar, in the state of Odisha. 

Having recently returned from his once-in-a-lifetime trip, Councilman Holzhauer was excited to experience the sights and sounds of India again this weekend, through this grand celebration. India Day in Naperville drew thousands of locals and visitors, uniting them to celebrate India's rich cultural heritage and its growing influence within the community. 

Councilman Holzhauer stated, "It is a privilege to be part of an event that showcases the vibrant culture and traditions of India, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support and celebrate with our Indian-American residents." 

The festival featured traditional Indian dances and music, an array of vendors serving authentic Indian cuisine, and a marketplace showcasing Indian art, fashion, and crafts. The highlight of the day was a vibrant parade with colorful floats, dancers in traditional attire and lively entertainment. Over the years, India Day in Naperville has grown in popularity, becoming one of the largest Indian cultural festivals in the country.