The colors and spirit of Rajasthan were reflected in the 18th Annual Bhartiya Temple Gangaur celebration, hosted in association with the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM) at Bharatiya Temple and cultural center, Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania, March 22, 2025.
It brought together community members and dignitaries from across the globe, according to organizers.
Dr. Francis Jayraj introduced county officials, including Neil Makhija (Montgomery County Commissioner), Tanya Bamford(Montgomery Township Supervisor), Beth Staab (Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors), and Eric Pelletier(Montgomery Township Auditor).
Others attending included Prem Bhandari (Founder of GARC and Chairperson of Jaipur Foot USA), President of RANA Rajasthan Association of North America, was chief Guest Ravi Sharma co founder of GARC Global Alliance of Rajasthani community and president from Melbourne, Australia, special guest and Vishal Mehta co founder of GARC from Tampa Florida, all of whom addressed the gathering, sharing their insights on Rajasthan’s cultural legacy and its global impact.
The highlight of the event was the Gaur-Isar Puja, a sacred and time-honored ritual symbolizing marital bliss and devotion. Celebrations included folk performances like the Kalbelia dance by Bindu Raman, a Rajasthani song sung by Manisha Singhal accompanied on the dhol by Dhriti Kurhekar.
The Ishar Gaur performance by Ayansh Ajmera and Shivi Chaudhary got a great response from the audience as well, as did the Kachhi Ghodi dance by Ajay Khandelwal with its storytelling and rhythmic beats.
During the festival, young advocates Diya Mundhra, Svar Kanungo, and Ansh Amit Vyas presented posters reflecting the culture, spirit and cuisine of Rajasthan, and passionately urged for the inclusion of the Rajasthani language as an official language in the Indian Constitution. They were awarded a monetary prize from Prem Bhandari, recognizing their dedication to preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s linguistic heritage.
Nand Todi (Founder and President Bhartiya Temple and Cultural Center) and Dr. Ravi Murarka (President PARAM), oversaw and guided the whole festival, the press release said. The PARAM committee thanked volunteers, and appreciation was also extended to the Sewa International young volunteers.
Related posts:
Rajasthanis enjoy spring festival of Gangaur at Bhartiya Hindu Temple in Philadelphia
Rajasthan Association of North America celebrates 24th Deepmahotsav in New York, recognizes high achievers
Neena Singh, New Jersey’s first Indian American woman, and first Sikh Mayor
Hundreds of Rajasthanis from around the country gather to celebrate Teej festival in New Jersey
