Our Bureau
Philadelphia, PA
PARAM – Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal USA, the leading community organization for Rajasthanis in the tri-state area, proudly hosted its much-anticipated Annual Summer Picnic, a joyful day filled with vibrant cultural celebrations, traditional cuisine, and deep-rooted community spirit on June 28, 2025.
The event was graced by the presence of West Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, who not only attended the celebration but also distributed certificates and awards to young Rajasthani participants. These children had earlier showcased outstanding poster presentations on the importance of the Rajasthani language and culture during the Bhartiya Temple Gangaur Festival held in March this year.
One of the most memorable highlights of the picnic was the live cooking of authentic Rajasthani delicacies—Dal Baati Churma and fresh Jalebi—prepared joyfully on-site by volunteers and community members. The rich aroma and vibrant flavors brought a taste of Rajasthan to American soil, delighting all attendees.
The celebration also featured traditional games, ethnic group dances, and spirited performances to Rajasthani folk songs, immersing everyone in the colors, sounds, and joy of our heritage. Families traveled from neighboring states such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia, some driving hundreds of miles, to be a part of this grand gathering—demonstrating the powerful unity and pride of the Rajasthani diaspora.
We are Rajasthani Indian-Americans—rooted in our values, rising across oceans.
Even though many of us have been away from our homeland for four to five decades, our hearts have never left Rajasthan. We continue to speak our language with pride, cook our traditional foods with love, and instill timeless values of community, respect, and togetherness in our next generation.
Dr. Ravi Murarka, President of PARAM, reflected on the occasion:
“This picnic was not just a celebration—it was a reminder that even thousands of miles away, our culture thrives when we come together with unity and purpose. Seeing families, volunteers, and children connect through heritage, food, and music was truly heartwarming.”
Indeed, the PARAM Annual Summer Picnic 2025 was more than an event—it was a statement of identity, resilience, and tradition. It reaffirmed that the Rajasthani spirit is alive and thriving—even seven seas away from Rajasthan.
