India’s Heartbeat in Aurora: Trendia experience Center’s Grand Opening Sparks Cultural Joy

Chicago, IL: The city of Aurora, Illinois, became the backdrop for a vivid cultural celebration as Trendia, a pioneering name in Indian handicrafts and homegrown heritage, officially launched its Experience Centre on May 3, 2025 at 2760 Beverly Dr, Unit 4 Aurora, IL. The grand opening wasn’t merely a ribbon-cutting, it was a heartfelt immersion into India’s soul, carefully curated through crafts, traditions, and storytelling that transcends borders.



Born as a digital platform in 2020, Trendia’s journey has culminated in a physical space that resonates with authentic Indian artistry, a space where nostalgia, craftsmanship, and culture intertwine to offer visitors a taste of home. The Aurora Experience Centre marks a significant evolution for the brand, reflecting its mission to be more than a store, to be a cultural revivalist, connecting generations and geographies through meaningful craftsmanship.

The launch event began with a sacred prayer led by Priest Aditya Sharma, setting a spiritual tone that reflected the values behind the brand. The event’s high point came when Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin, affectionately self-identifying as a “Blindian” (Black and Indian), presented a commemorative plaque to Trendia, acknowledging the store’s role as a vibrant contributor to the city’s cultural tapestry. He rang a ceremonial bell three times, a ritualistic gesture symbolizing Trendia’s formal embrace into the community.



Alderman Dan Barrero of Ward One and Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Aurora’s first Indian American and Southeast Asian council member, delivered deeply personal remarks. “This isn’t just a store,” said Baid, “It’s a mini-India—a space where smells, colours, textures, and spirituality meet.” Her sentiment echoed throughout the gathering as guests experienced what many described as a “time capsule” to their roots.

Trendia was founded in August 2020 by Vijay Karumanchi and his wife Sampurna Sikha, inspired by an emotional yet everyday story, a father-in-law’s longing to send his daughter her favourite mango pickle from India, during the travel-banned days of the COVID-19 pandemic. That modest act sparked the launch of Trendia, originally focused on Indian sweets, pickles, snacks, and savouries, designed to comfort and connect displaced families.



The overwhelming community response fueled Trendia’s evolution into a lifestyle brand that today includes traditional Indian apparel, and in the last 18 months, an ambitious move into home decor and art collectibles. The new Aurora Centre is not only a brick-and-mortar expansion, it is a manifestation of memory, heritage, and home.

Beyond being a shopping destination, Trendia is now emerging as the go-to space for all gifting needs, be it corporate gifting, festive gifting, wedding return gifts, or thoughtful personal presents. The carefully curated inventory, direct access to artisans, antique craftsmanship options, and aesthetic packaging make it the perfect one-stop solution for organizations and individuals looking to make their gifts meaningful and memorable.


Trendia’s Experience Centre is a one-of-a-kind cultural emporium, offering over 3,000 artisanal items from 13 Indian states. It includes: Brass idols of deities like Krishna and Jagannath Swami, Marble and brass Buddha statues with intricate inlay, Wooden temples and home altars, designed with both traditional and contemporary sensibilities, Stone sculptures by Padmashri awardee Pravakar Maharana from Bhubaneswar, Patented wooden art from President’s Award winner Charuhas Pandit ji in Pune, Rare Cheriyal masks, hand-painted by Mr. D Vaikuntam one of the last surviving families practicing this dying art in Andhra Pradesh, Upcycled vintage furniture—crafted from salvaged doors and window frames in Jodhpur, Papier-mâché, clay pots, jharokha mirrors, and seasonal décor sourced directly from rural Indian artisans. The collection bridges past and present, offering pieces that reflect deep mythology, spirituality, and symbolism, while also serving as functional and aesthetic decor for global homes.



During his welcome speech, Vijay Karumanchi shared the deeper purpose behind Trendia’s expansion: “When someone walks through our doors, it shouldn’t feel like they’re walking into a store. It should feel like they’ve stepped into India itself—their grandmother’s home, a street in Rajasthan, or a temple in Bhubaneswar. That emotional connection is what we strive to create,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and pride.



“When they take a piece of Trendia back to their homes, it shouldn’t just be a product. It should be a memory. A feeling. A piece of their heritage. I want it to remind them of festivals with family, take them back to the lanes of their homeland, the vibrancy of Indian markets, or the quiet serenity of a prayer at dawn. I want them to feel like they’ve brought home a piece of India. Not just to decorate their space, but to nourish their soul. That’s the soul of Trendia.”



Sampurna, the co-founder and driving force behind Trendia’s creative and operational vision, emphasized the family-first and artisan-forward philosophy of the brand. She noted that the entire venture is powered by a small but passionate team, including their children, her sister in law, sister and a dedicated group of over 40+ individuals in India, working side by side with the artisans whose lives are uplifted through fair trade and creative dignity.

Trendia is also actively seeking to join hands with more like-minded entrepreneurs, community leaders, and partners across cities and states. The goal is to co-create spaces that celebrate Indian identity and craftsmanship while making heritage accessible, relevant, and rooted in local communities across the U.S. and beyond. Trendia welcomes those who share the same vision of making “Indianness” deeply felt—not just as a design aesthetic, but as a way of life. People who believe in preserving the essence of India—its traditions, stories, and soul, through the revival and promotion of its timeless art and craftsmanship. Together, the aim is to build a movement that honours India’s roots while enriching the global cultural landscape.



More than a shop, the Aurora centre is an interactive destination. It is A cultural classroom for children who visit with curiosity, some even instinctively removing their shoes in reverence, A space for live artisan demos and storytelling weekends, beginning this summer, A resource for heritage educators and local institutions interested in Indian art forms.


The grand opening also served as the kick-off celebration for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, further reinforcing Aurora’s dedication to cultural representation. As the ceremonial ribbon was cut, with a Bollywood-style flair and cheering crowds, the message was loud and clear: Trendia is here to stay, to serve, and to share. Mayor Irvin, inspired by the experience, declared: “I’ll be back for my Diwali outfit. And I urge every Auroran, Indian or not, to come and witness what cultural pride looks like.”

“Trendia’s Experience Centre is a living bridge between India and America. It doesn’t just preserve art, it dignifies artisanship, empowers creators, and educates the next generation. It is a temple of culture wrapped in fabric, wood, brass, and soul.” said by Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA.