PLANO / FRISCO: Chand Raat Mela 2026 Blends Cultural Celebration With Community Energy and Local Politics
By Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
DALLAS: On a warm March evening in Plano, the Serene Event Center transformed into a vibrant tapestry of color, culture, and anticipation as “Biggest Mela 2026 – Chand Raat” brought together the South Asian community of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in a celebration that was as much about identity as it was about festivity.
The event, organized annually by Inam Sherwani, unfolded like a living festival. Rows of shopping stalls displayed traditional attire and crafts, the aroma of regional cuisines drifted through the halls, children moved between activity zones, and intricate henna designs traced stories of heritage onto eager hands. It was an evening where generations converged, united by the shared rhythm of Eid’s arrival.
Yet beneath the surface of celebration, the gathering also reflected the civic pulse of a growing community. The presence of Mark Hill, a candidate for mayor of Frisco, added a subtle political dimension to the evening. Accompanied by community leader Nadeem Zaman, Mr. Hill engaged directly with attendees, positioning himself not just as a candidate, but as a familiar figure within the community.
In a brief conversation with Jago Times Editor-in-Chief Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada, Mr. Hill spoke of his personal connection to Frisco, describing it as home for the past two decades. It is where he purchased his first house, built his business, and raised his family, with his daughter attending local schools.
He characterized Frisco as an exceptional city shaped by visionary leadership, one that continues to attract businesses from around the world while offering families a sense of safety and opportunity.
Mr. Hill also confirmed his intention to run for mayor in the upcoming May election, framing his campaign as an effort to amplify the city’s collective voice and empower those offering practical solutions. “This journey belongs to all of us,” he suggested, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility in shaping Frisco’s future.
As the evening drew to a close, the Chand Raat Mela stood not only as a prelude to Eid festivities but also as a reflection of a community increasingly aware of its cultural strength and civic influence, a space where celebration, identity, and public life intersected seamlessly.
