Pakistan Independence Parade and Azadi Mela 2009

Pakistan is frequently in the news because of violence and regional tensions. Pakistani nationals and supporters in Chicago will put these problems aside on Sunday, August 16 to celebrate the Independence of Pakistan. There will be a parade that takes place between 11:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. It begins on W. Devon Avenue, at Damen and Western followed by a fair or mela, in Warren Park.

There are about 120,000 Pakistanis living in the Chicago area. This year’s parade includes more than 30 colorful floats at the parade. The colorful clothes worn by the participants and the upbeat atmosphere make this a fun event for children of all ages- in the same spirit as the 4th of July parades. The Pakistani consul general will participate along with Ald. Bernard Stone (50th,) Ald. Joe Moore (49th,) and several other elected and appointed government officials.

The parade celebrates Pakistan’s independence day (also known as Yom-e-Istiqlal (Urdu: یوم استقلال .)) This is the day when Pakistan gained independence from the British Raj, as it was called then, and became an independent state August 14, 1947. In Pakistan, it’s a national holiday, celebrated all over the country with flag-raising ceremonies, tributes to the national heroes and fireworks. Here are some quick facts about Pakistan.

In Chicago, there is a “mela” after the parade, where you can savor the flavors and products of Pakistan. According to Wikipedia, “Mela is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘gathering’ or ‘to meet’ or a Fair.” In rural areas of the Asian sub-continent, melas or village fairs, are important local events.
Around the world, south Asian diaspora communities wishing to bring something of that tradition to their new countries, put on melas. This year’s mela in Warren Park, 6601 N Western Ave., will feature the food of seven Pakistani restaurants for a global eating experience. There also will be about 15 clothing and merchandise booths along with information booths. The organizers have a musical program planned, too, which will begin about 5 p.m. in Warren Park.

If you bring your camera, send us your pictures of the parade and mela. And, دن اچھا گزرے (have a good day!)

Schedule for August 16th Pakistani Independence Parade and Mela:
(1) Assembly for Parade 11:00 a.m.
At: Damen & Western on Devon Avenue
Step off 12:30 p.m.

(2) Mela (Festival) immediately after parade
at 6600 N. Western Ave.
Location: Warren Park
2:30 p.m. til 7:30 p.m.

For more information, contact:
Pakistan Independence Day Parade Committee of Greater Chicago
P.O. Box #60101, Chicago, IL
Phone: 773-556-9993
Fax: 773-338-4569
Email: pakistanparadegc@mail.com
Hameed Ullah Khan : 773-556-9993
Chairman

Pakistan Azadi Mela 2009 | Home Page.

See photos of Pakistani independence day ceremonies in Pakistan.