Pakistani-Americans Celebrate 64th Independence Day

A few weeks ago, Americans celebrated their independence by setting off fireworks and having barbecues. On Saturday, Pakistani-Americans celebrated theirs at the Bolingbrook Town Center with authentic food from local restaurants, traditional garb from vendors and a flag raising ceremony.

Pakistan won independence from India in 1947 and the Pakistani-American community in the Midwest has steadily grown. Though the nation has faced political and economic difficulty in recent years, the celebration in Bolingbrook is unfazed and continues to help those abroad.

Zahida Choudry, a vendor, said proceeds often go to charity and her earnings were given to aid people in Pakistan. She also attended the event last year and said she finds this year’s engaging as well.

“It’s a good gathering,” she said. “It’s faith, unity and just sharing joy.”

Pakistan’s national flag adorned the building, tents and even the visitors’ faces and arms. The community showed support for their heritage and was joined by Mayor Roger Claar and the Chicago Consul General of Pakistan Zaheer Khan for a flag raising ceremony.

“The Pakistani-American community in the Village of Bolingbrook is productive, hard working and strives to make positive contributions,” Claar said in a proclamation to the attendees.

The Association of Pakistani Americans began the event 20 years ago, when only 25 people attended. Since then, the Independence Day Celebration has evolved into a gathering of thousands, with visitors from all over the country.

“This is the biggest and most well attended Pakistani Independence Day celebration in the United States,” said Mir Ali, the APA event organizer, who added that more than 10,000 to 20,000 people show up during peak hours at night.

Pakistan’s official Independence Day is August 14, but because of Ramadan, the APA decided to have its celebration in July. Walking from tent to tent and tasting the dishes at the restaurant booths, Pakistani and non-Pakistani visitors enjoyed the celebration.

“Whatever I was expecting, I think I already see here,” said Shacia Shaikh, a first-time visitor who brought her family to the event. “I really like it because it’s the gathering of all the Pakistanis and even non-Pakistanis are here.”

Shaikh has lived in the area for 14 years, but finally got a chance on Saturday to attend the festival. After spending the afternoon at the celebration, Shaikh says she will definitely return in future years.

Julia Mistrata attended the event after an invitation from a friend and said she found the culture a different experience.

“I think it’s a really good way to shine a light on Pakistan’s culture and different cultural experiences that they have here and I think it’s really fun and I would suggest it to anyone who’s not Pakistani to come out and try new things,” she said. “I really like it.”