Day 255: Little India, Chicago, Illinois

📌APIA Every Day (255) - Little India, located along Devon Avenue in Chicago, is a vibrant ethnic neighborhood shaped by two major waves of South Asian immigration. The first wave began in 1965 with the passage of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, which brought highly skilled professionals, such as doctors and engineers, from South Asia. As Jewish families moved to the suburbs, South Asian immigrants established businesses and created a sense of community. By the early 1970s, landmark establishments like The Sari Palace and Patel Brothers grocery store marked the area’s transformation.

The second wave, in the 1980s and 1990s, brought family members sponsored by earlier immigrants. This era saw a significant expansion of businesses along Devon Avenue, turning the area into a hub of South Asian culture. Although commonly called "Little India," the neighborhood is a diverse mix of South Asian communities, including Indians, Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, and Bangladeshis, as well as immigrants from other regions like Croatia and Syria.

Today, Devon Avenue is a cultural corridor where visitors can experience authentic South Asian life through its aromatic restaurants, colorful sari shops, and bustling grocery stores. It’s more than a commercial district—it’s a vibrant community that celebrates Chicago’s immigrant heritage and cultural diversity.

LEARN MORE:

Chicago Sun-Times: How Devon Avenue became the hub of Chicago’s Indian community

The Becovic Blog: Why You Should Explore Little India on Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park

Big Shoulders Atlas Blogspot: Little India/Devon Avenue

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