SWERA Sets Midwest Ablaze with Fire, Rhythm, and Unbreakable bond at a Memorable Community Lohri

From Punjab’s Fields to Chicago’s Dance Floor: SWERA’s 2026 Lohri Celebration Radiates Power, Laughter & Love

Gidha Beats, Dulla Bhatti’s Echo & Endless Joy: Sikh Women Era Lights Up the Chicago with a Legendary Lohri

Chicago, IL: The crisp February evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, carried more than just winter chill outside Atlantis Banquets in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Inside the hall, the air turned warm and electric with the unmistakable heartbeat of Punjab. Laughter bounced off the walls, the scent of roasted lingered, and colorful dupattas swirled like living flames. This was Sikh Women Era’s Community Lohri, a joyful, defiant celebration of harvest, heritage, and the unstoppable spirit of Sikh women.

As a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SWERA has long stood for empowerment, equality, and the preservation of Punjabi culture in the American diaspora. On this night they transformed the ancient festival of Lohri welcoming longer days, giving thanks for abundance, and remembering the legendary Dulla Bhatti into a powerful, living tribute to women who carry tradition forward while fearlessly building the future.

Jasbir Kaur Mann, one of the organization’s guiding forces, opened the evening with a welcome so warm it felt like stepping into family. Her words wrapped the room in gratitude and unity before Mini Singh stepped forward to sing the National Anthem. The notes rose proudly, reminding everyone that love for heritage and love for this new homeland can stand side by side without apology.

Gurleen Kaur, introduced with affection by Jasbir Kaur Mann, took the stage as the night’s charismatic MC. Her energy set the perfect tone for the first performance: a breathtaking Gidha titled “Dheeyan Da.” Gurleen Kaur, Parmleen Kaur, Simar Kaur, Reeya Hunjan, and Savreen Kaur, guided by coordinators Payal Virdi and Navneet Kaur, moved with fierce precision and radiant joy. Every stomp, every clap, every flash of lehenga told the same story, the unbreakable pride of Punjab’s daughters.

Kirandeep Kaur smoothly took over MC duties, keeping the flow effortless and alive. Minoo Singh then lifted the mood even higher with the irresistible classic “Mele Nu Chal Mere Naal Kureh,” sending waves of nostalgia and involuntary foot-tapping through the crowd.

A quieter, more reflective moment followed when Tahira Rida brought the timeless tale of Dulla Bhatti to life. She reminded everyone why this festival still burns bright: a folk hero who risked everything to protect daughters and stand against injustice. Her storytelling wove history into the present, making the legend feel close and urgent.

Then came pure delight. Baljeet, Kulwant, and Rimple took the stage for “Pension Lag gai bebe nu,” delivering the cheeky lyrics with such infectious humor that the entire hall dissolved into laughter and applause.

Poet Rakind Kaur offered a soulful pause with verses that hushed the room and touched hearts, before the energy swung back to hilarity with the skit “Kush Khatti Kush Mithi.” Written by Mandeep Kumar and Ritu Kaur, directed by Ritu Kaur, and performed by Rajinder Bir Mago, Gurpreet K Singh, Ritu Kaur, Mandeep Kumar, Nitish, Raj Dhaliwal, and Rajwinder Kaur, the piece was sharp, witty, and perfectly Punjabi leaving the audience wiping tears of joy.

Another powerful wave of rhythm arrived with the grand Gidha performance. Rajwinder Kaur, Rimple Dogra, Kirandeep Kaur, Diljot Kaur, Narinder Kaur, Sarabjit Kaur, Hardeep Kaur, Manmeet Kaur, Anudeep Sandhu, and Baljeet Kaur commanded the floor. Their synchronized steps and commanding presence turned every movement into a declaration of strength and community.

The musical climax came through the soulful voice of main singer Rav Inder Singh. His melodies filled the hall, kept the dance floor alive, and carried the celebration to its emotional peak. food by Touch of Spice, adding that perfect touch of spice! Special thanks to K K Pamma for the delicious spread. Decor handled beautifully by team SWERA members Baljeet Athwal and Narinder Kaur! Moongfali and  Gachak received from Star Foods and Singh Grocer

Evening's success belongs entirely to DJ RJB Music! His electrifying beats turned every moment into pure triumph and celebration. DJ RJB Music—the undisputed hero of this unforgettable night

True to its mission, SWERA made sure the night was about more than entertainment. Dimpy Kaur and Sukhvir Dhillon organized thoughtful gift hampers for newlywed couples and families welcoming newborns—small, beautiful gestures that honored life’s happiest milestones. Participation awards recognized every performer and contributor, while heartfelt thanks poured out to grand sponsor Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and the generous list of supporters including Dawinder Singh Rangi, Jassi Sahota, Kamaljit Sahota, Maddy Singh, Chankirat Singh, Ranjit Kaur Teji, Paul Dandona, Bhupinder Dhanoa, Jairam Singh Kahlon, Balwinder Singh Chatha, Tarlochan Singh Gill, Rajinder Singh Samra, Mini Singh, Gurpreet K. Singh, Raj Dhaliwal, Joti Khaira, Star Foods, Singh Grocer, Sukhdeep Walia, Sydney Smith Mann, Sandeep Singh Bajaj, Mini Multani, Pammi Sangha, and many others.

Behind every moment stood the tireless team: Jasbir Kaur Mann, Manjind Brar, Baljeet Athwal, Sukhvir Dhillon, Dimpy Kaur, Pammi Vohra, Amarjeet Mangat, Kulwant Parmar, Sukhwinder Sidhu, Rimple Dogra, Sukhdeep Walia, Narinder Kaur, Rajwinder Kaur, Jaspal Kaur, Jeety Midha, Kirpal Lall, Gurpreet K. Singh, Shilpa Kakkar, Gurleen Kaur Sangha, and Nikki Sekhon.

Since its beginning in 2016, SWERA has been a steady light for Sikh women in Illinois—offering support, connection, and a vibrant space to keep Punjabi culture thriving far from home. This Community Lohri was never just a party. It was a living promise: when women lead with courage, open hearts, and deep roots, entire communities shine brighter.

As the lights slowly dimmed, no one said goodbye. Instead, they carried away smiles, selfies, new memories, and the quiet certainty that the fire lit that night cultural, emotional, unbreakable would keep burning long after everyone went home.

In a world that sometimes rushes past tradition, SWERA’s Community Lohri showed how powerfully heritage can still gather people, lift spirits, and remind us who we are. By centering Sikh women letting them dance, laugh, lead, and celebrate new life this event embodied equality, resilience, and joy in the most honest way possible. These are exactly the stories Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman of Asian Media USA exists to share. Heartfelt congratulations to SWERA your light reaches far beyond one beautiful February evening, keep shining.