Our Bureau
Montgomeryville, PA
The vibrant spirit of Rajasthan illuminated the US, as 18th Annual Bharatiya Temple Gangaur celebration was hosted in association with the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM) at Bharatiya Temple and cultural center, Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania. The colorful celebration brought together community members and dignitaries from across the globe for a grand cultural spectacle. This year’s celebration held on March 22, 2025, embraced the rich traditions of Rajasthan, fostering a sense of cultural unity and pride among attendees.
The event was graced by several prominent dignitaries. Dr. Francis Jayraj had the honor of introducing esteemed 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). Their presence underscored the significance of cultural heritage events in strengthening community ties. Adding to the prestige of the occasion, distinguished personalities such as Prem Bhandari (Founder of GARC and Chairperson of Jaipur Foot USA) and President of Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA); Ravi Sharma, co-founder of GARC; and Vishal Mehta co-founder of GARC from Tampa, Florida attended and 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. The celebration further came alive with mesmerizing folk performances, including the Kalbelia dance by Bindu Raman, a captivating performance that showcased the hypnotic and fluid movements of Rajasthani tradition, a Rajasthani melodious song sung by Manisha Singhal with Dhriti Kurhekar on the dhol. The Ishar Gaur performance by Ayansh Ajmera and Shivi Chaudhary enthralled the audience, while the Kachhi Ghodi dance by Ajay Khandelwal added an element of high-energy storytelling and rhythmic beats.
During the festival celebration, 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. Their commendable efforts earned them a monetary prize from Shri Prem Bhandari, recognizing their dedication to preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s linguistic heritage.
Entire festival celebration was executed under the guidance and supervision of Shri Nand Todi Ji (Founder and President Bhartiya Temple and Cultural Center) and Dr. Ravi Murarka (President PARAM), whose leadership ensured the success of the event. The PARAM committee thanked all the dedicated volunteers who put in their tireless efforts to make this celebration a grand success. Appreciation was also extended to the Sewa International young volunteers, whose enthusiasm and commitment played a crucial role in the seamless execution of the event.
With an overwhelming turnout and enthusiastic participation, 18th Annual Gangaur Celebration at Bhartiya Temple reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone event for Rajasthanis in the USA, celebrating tradition, community, and cultural heritage with grandeur and devotion.
