It's an old and well-established saying that there's nothing as American as baseball and apple pie. These traditions stretch back through several decades of American history, and have come to symbolize the carefree spirit and resourceful nature of the country and its people. However, it is important to remember that the United States was and still continues to be populated by people from all over the world, who bring with them the varied and interesting cultural artifacts of their original countries' traditions, be they spiritual, academic, or otherwise. As such, if the sport of baseball is an American institution, it is necessarily an institution of African Americans, Asian Americans, Latino Americans, and all those who have established their families in the nation since its inception. But in some places in the United States, the country's multiculturalism is especially evident. Take Chicago, for example, where scores of Desi immigrants and their families have spent decades creating a strong and lively community incorporating the cultural elements of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bengal. This community's influence can be seen in many specialty goods and services throughout the city, such as astrologists, temples, jewelers, and beauty parlors, but sometimes turns up in unexpected places. Like, say, at the playing field of the Chicago White Sox. Chicago bhangra at a baseball game? It's par for the course in America's ethnically diverse Midwest; read all about it here at FunduSearch.



The Punjabi Cultural Society, which operates out of Palatine near Chicago's central urban metropolis, was established just before the turn of the century, and is devoted to educating the public about the region's heritage and many fascinating traditions and texts, as well as instilling local Desi youth with a sense of cultural identity and self-understanding. With activities focusing on the performing arts but ranging from literary seminars to sports festivals, the Society is keenly intent on fulfilling its humanitarian mission of cultural preservation.



A key focus of the Society is facilitating and supporting local bhangra dancers and musicians, as well as curious patrons and those who wish to learn the techniques. With frequent classes available for all skill levels, regular exhibitions and talent shows, and even very special events such as the recently established tradition of performing bhangra at halftime a the US Cellular Stadium, home of the Chicago White Sox. Of particular note is the Society's facilitation of US and Canada sections of the annual International Bhangra Competition, which features dance-offs for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced performance artists, and comprises a fun and exciting event with many prizes available for winners.


Join in the fun at the Punjabi Cultural Society and learn all about this fascinating cultural treasure. Explore this and other Desi associations at FunduSearch's Chicago listings, where you'll also find chiropractors, driving schools, banks, and Hindu temples.