Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson & Indian American Business Council host Diwali celebration at City Hall

Mayor Brandon Johnson and India’a Consul General Somnath Ghosh, as well as Indian American Business Council representatives conducting the lamp-lighting ceremony Oct. 20, 2025, at City Hall, Chicago. ALL PHOTOS: Asian Media USA

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hosted Diwali celebrations October 20, 2025, at Chicago City Hall in partnership with the Indian American Business Council,

The festivities opened with a traditional lamp- lighting ceremony, with Ajeet Singh, president of the Indian American Business Council, leading the rite, joined by Mayor Johnson, Consul General of India Somnath Ghosh, City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Irvin, Alderwoman Shweta Baid of Aurora, Alderman David Moore; and community leaders Neil Khot, Sunil Shah, Harish Kolasani, Ganesh Kar, Harry Mohan, and Keerthi Ravoori.

Music and interactive dance, guided by Ajanta Chakraborty and her team, was performed on stage, a press release from Asian Media USA said. Ajanta Chakraborty emceed the event

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson poses for a picture with the young performers and their teacher Ajanta Chakraborty, at the October 20, 2025, Diwali celebrations at City Hall.

“As long as I’m mayor, we will always host the Diwali celebration at City Hall,” Mayor Johnson is quoted saying at the event. He praised Chicago’s diversity as a global strength and lauded Indian Americans’ contributions to its essence. “Now more than ever, we require peace and joy,” to establish Chicago as a beacon of inclusion, prosperity, and dignity, he said.

Mayor Johnson received dandiya sticks and participated in the lively dance accompanied by Consul General Ghosh and other dignitaries.

City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Irvin offered Diwali greetings, declaring, “Diversity is our strength—our superpower.” Addressing the children, she noted, “You embody the world’s goodness.” She acknowledged Consul General Ghosh and Ajeet Singh, concluding, “This builds bridges: today yours, tomorrow mine.”

Consul General Ghosh wished everyone a Happy Diwali, and thanked officials and organizers. “Diwali’s smallest flame dispels the deepest darkness, delivering peace to turmoil, prosperity to want, and love to hatred.” He urged a return to inner light, reflecting Chicago’s collective humanity.

Ajeet Singh’s welcome address thanked Mayor Johnson for leading four consecutive Diwali events at City Hall, each surpassing the last in excellence. The “Indian American community is forever indebted for your generosity in hosting Diwali festivities,” he said.

Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, chair of the Indian American Business Council, closed by thanking the mayor for utilizing City Hall’s quadrangle for the reception and thanked the Mayor and Consul General of India for exemplifying the spirit of Diwali.