Our Bureau
Edison, NJ
Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR) and Jhoom Events celebrated the 8th Annual Rajasthani Teej Mahotsav on 9th August 2024 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.
Teej is the festival that brings happiness, colors, music, food and 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.
Over 1000+ Indian and Rajasthani Diaspora attended the biggest Rajasthani Festival in America – TEEJ MAHOTSAV 2024, in full Rajasthani attire, pagadis and saffas were given by the organization to the members to complete the look. Ladies were dressed up in beautiful lehenga choli, Ghaghara and Indian dresses.
Beating all the weather warnings, thunderstorms, flood warnings, tornados, people joined the Teej Mahotsav with an upbeat mood. Nothing could defeat, detain, or bring down their love and affection for the motherland and their roots. People drove and flew from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, Indianapolis, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, California, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Maryland, Washington DC, Seattle, and hundreds of people from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. That was the magic of the TEEJ MAHOTSAV 2024.
Mahotsav started at 4 PM, with pagadi bandhai for all the members of the organization and welcoming with Dhol/Nagada and tilaks. Along with welcome drinks and snacks.
Teej Mata procession started at 6 PM with Pooja of Teej Mata with Shanknad, dhol, bell, at the Neel Kamal Hall (Jaipur Palace) of the Royal Alberts premises. Following the Pooja. Kalbelia Dances, 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. Kids dressed up as Padmavati, Shiva and Parvati led the procession, followed by Kalash yatra by many ladies, who carried the traditional kalash & matakas on their heads, Rajputi talwar followed by Teej Mata. Both Men and Women did the traditional Rajasthani dance, including Katchhi Ghodi dance.
Finally Teej Mata entered in the Ball room at 7 PM with Ghanta Dhwani, Shanknaad and shlok Chanting. Diya Lighting were done by the ROAR Patrons Advisors Smt. Tarang Soni, Shri Naveen Shah, Shri Mukesh Modi, Dr. Ravi Muraraka, and Delegates Padmashree Dr. Sudhir Parikh and Ms. Pragya Singh, Consul (Visa and Community Affairs), NY Indian Consulate.
Opening Dance performance was done by the ladies of the ROAR group on Rajasthani Traditional songs who performed on traditional Rajasthani Music and songs.
Post the opening dance, 2nd International Rajasthani Pageant started, which was judged by Mr. Mukesh Modi (famous Indian Bollywood Producer/Director), Mrs Brenda Bjerke (Head of Target Securities), Mrs. Neha Bhansali (1st International Rajasthan Mrs Rajasthan). Ladies in traditional Rajasthani attire participated in the Miss Rajasthan Pageant.
Kareena Jain won the Miss Rajasthan International Title, Megha Mohnot become the First Runners up Miss International Rajasthan.
Sarah Gupta won the Miss Teen Rajasthan International Title, while Vedvalli Vyas won the First Runners Up and Mati Rajvashi won the second Runners Up title.
Tina Goyal won the Mrs. Rajasthan International title followed by Shreya Dixit as First Runners and up and Sanju Purohit as Second Runners up in the Mrs Category.
Nikita Goyal won special Padmavati Award, while Akshi Bansal become the TEEJ Queen. Vandana Tambi won the Melodious Voice Title while Ritu Dewan won the Fashion Icon Title.
Rajasthani Organization of American Residents remembered Ms. Shobhana Patel, the Maharani Saa Title winner for 2023 for her contribution for the society and her work.
Deputy CM of Rajasthan and HRH Princess Diya Kumari wished all the Rajasthanis a very happy TEEJ and wishes to the 2nd International Rajasthan Pageant participants.
Last year winners in different categories Mrs. Neha Bhansali, Mrs. Dimple Kapoor, Mrs. Puja Gupta, Miss Priyal Kumar, Miss Priyal Garg and Miss Prisha Oza performed traditional dances and singing, showcasing their talent.
Show was hosted by Mr. Aric Diamani and co-hosted by youngsters Atharva Soni and Prisha Oza.
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. Public thoroughly enjoyed the show and was grooving on his tunes till mid-night.
Shopping area was set up with different variety of Rajasthani dresses, jewelry, shoes, paintings, ice gola, paan were on sale.
Tarang Soni and ROAR have continuously celebrated the TEEJ festival without any failure. Even during the COVID period of last 3 years with all the CDC guidelines and measures in open AIR with safe distance and screening.
Delicious Rajasthani Food was served to all the attendees including famous Rajasthani Dal-Baati-Churma, Ghevar, Jalebi Rabadi, Gol Gappe, Matar ki Kachoriya, Gatte ki sabzi and much more., along with multi flavored Kulfi Ice Cream and much more. There was an open Bar, and premium Drinks were served to all the attendees.
ROAR President Tarang Soni thanked all the delegates, Sponsors, media, attendees, volunteers, members of ROAR and the support staff for their contribution and support.
