This was the biggest Teej Celebration across North America, attended by over more than 1, 000 Indian and Rajasthani diaspora
Our Bureau
Edison, NJ
Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR) and Jhoom Events celebrated 7th Annual Rajasthani Aabhushan Teej Mahotsav on 18th August 2023 in Royal Alberts Palace, Edison in a very grand and elaborated way under the leadership of Mrs. Tarang Soni, President, ROAR, and CEO, Jhoom Events.
This was the biggest Teej Celebration across North America where over more than 1, 000 Indian and Rajasthani diaspora attended in Rajasthani dress, pagadis and saffas, given by the organization to the members, to complete the look. Ladies were dressed up in traditional lehenga choli, Ghaghara and Indian dresses.
On occasion of this festival, to accommodate and execute the Teej Mahotsav, entire Royal Albert Palace Banquet Hall was booked for the Teej Mahotsav. Mahotsav started at 3 PM, with pagadi bandhai for all the members of the organization and welcoming with Dhol/Nagada and tilaks. Along with welcome drinks and snacks.
At 6 PM, Teej Mata procession started with Pooja/Aarti of Teej Mata at the Neel Kamal Hall (Jaipur Palace) of the Royal Alberts premises. Following the aarti. Kalbelia, fire Dance and many traditional dances were performed in front of the Teej Mata by several ladies led by ROAR Teej Queen.
Priests did Shankhnad to announce the start of the procession of the Teej Mata. A fully decorated Camel (for the first time ever in New Jersey) led the procession of the Teej Mata, followed Kalash yatra by many ladies, who carried the traditional kalash and matakas on their heads, followed by Teej Mata.
Finally Teej Mata entered in the Ball room at 7 PM with Ghanta Dhwani, Shanknaad and shlok Chanting. Diya lighting was done by Chandra ji along with other dignitaries.
Opening Dance performance was done by the ladies of the ROAR group on Rajasthani Traditional songs followed by the story of Rajasthan.
First ever International Rajasthani Pageant was conducted. Priyal Kumar won the Miss Rajasthan International Title, Priyal Garg become the first runners up Miss International Rajasthan followed up Prisha Oza as second runners up in the Miss category.
Neha Bhansali won the Mrs. Rajasthan International title followed by Dimple Kapoor as first runners and up and Puja Gupta as second runners up in the Mrs Category. Ladies and girls also won other major titles: Beautiful Eyes- Ashima, Beautiful Smile – Deepti, Best Ramp Walk – Priyanka, Most Talented – Pooja, Photogenic – Aritrika, Charming Personality- Kiran, Confident – Mati, Beautiful outfit- Neha, Fashion icon – Priyal Kumar, Social media icon- Puja Gupta, Attitude – Prisha, Melodious Voice- Priyal Garg, Dancing Star- Monika.
Rajasthani Organization of American Residents has also honored Mr. Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika Capital Group and Dr. Samin Sharma with the “Pride of Rajasthan”, and Shri Haridas ji Kotahwala was honored with “Danveer Bhamashah” Award for this philanthropy work in the community and United States for the last 50+ years. Mrs. Shobhana Patel was honored with the “Maharani Saa” while Mrs. Rosy Thakkar was honored with “Rani Padmavati” award. Deepti Solanki was awarded with the TEEJ Queen 2023.
Among the delegatory present were Mr Dilip Chauhan, Dy-Commissioner New York City along with Senators and Assembly men. Honorable BJP State President Shri CP Joshi ji joined the Mahotsav online twice to congratulate the organizers and ROAR President Mrs. Tarang Soni for successfully organizing the Teej Mahotsav 2023. He also wished Happy Teej to all the attendees, and ladies for their Suhaag.
Jigna Bhatt performed popular Ghoomar Dance and other folk dances on the stage to show the essence of Rajasthani Dance.
Finally, popular singer and musician Khuda Baksh rocked the program with Live Concert, singing over several Rajasthani and Indian songs for more than an hour. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show and were grooving to his tunes.
ROAR also launched its Magazine “Jharoka” on the occasion of Teej Mahotsav showcasing past events. People congratulated Shri Naveen Shah ji and Dr Samin Sharma ji for winning the “Pride of Rajasthan” Award and congratulated Mrs. Tarang Soni, President ROAR for successful execution of the TEEJ Mahotsav.
Shopping area was set up with different variety of Rajasthani dresses, jewelry, shoes, paintings were on sale. Free Mehndi was applied to the interested at a counter.
Teej is the festival which brings happiness, colors, music, food. It is the beginning of all the festivals in Hindu culture. Teej is the Hindu festival that is celebrated by women in many parts of North India. Haryali Teej or Sawan ki Teej welcomes the monsoon and is celebrated primarily by girls and women, with songs, dancing and prayer rituals. The monsoon festival of Teej is primarily dedicated to Parvati and her union with Lord Shankar.
Delicious Rajasthani Food was served to all the attendees including famous Rajasthani Dal-Baati-Churma, Ghevar, Jalebi Rabadi, Gol Gappe, Kachori and much more., along with multi flavored Kulfi and much more. There was an open bar, and premium rinks were served to all the attendees. All food and drink arrangements were done in the Plaza Hall.
Aric Diamani and Kapila Sood were wonderful emcee who managed the stage. Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modiji sent his personal Congratulatory letter to Tarang Soni, President ROAR for the successful execution of the Teej Mahotsav. Honorable Governor of Assam, Shri Gulab Chandji Kataria, Honorable Mayor of New York City, Mr Eric Adams, Honorable BJP State President Shri CP Joshi ji, Honorable former CM of Rajasthan and Leader of Opposition, Mrs. Vasundhara Raje ji Sindhia also send their congratulatory letters to Mrs. Tarang Soni, President ROAR for the successful conduction of Teej Mahotsav.
