Our Bureau
Montgomeryville, PA
Bharatiya Temple, a prominent Hindu-Jain temple serving the Greater Philadelphia region, will present a $100,000 donation to Sewa International in support of relief and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by the recent disaster in Nepal.
The ceremonial check presentation will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM during the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival at Bharatiya Temple.
The funds were raised following a multi-faith prayer gathering held on September 3, 2026, where Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, and Christian faith and community leaders came together in prayer, solidarity, and support for the people of Nepal. The gathering raised approximately $100,000 for Nepal relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The collected funds will be presented to Sewa International, a humanitarian nonprofit organization, to support its relief and rehabilitation efforts in Nepal.
The check presentation will take place during the Philadelphia Ganesh Festival, organized by Bharatiya Temple in collaboration with Indian community organizations from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. The festival brings together thousands of community members to celebrate Indian religious traditions, culture, music, dance, and community service.
This year’s Philadelphia Ganesh Festival is being celebrated from September 14 through September 25, 2026, marking the festival’s 22nd year. September 19 will also feature Outdoor IndiaFest, bringing together religious, cultural, civic, and community leaders for a day of celebration and fellowship.
The Greater Philadelphia Hindu community has a longstanding tradition of supporting humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts both in the United States and around the world. Over the years, the community has mobilized support for numerous humanitarian causes, including assistance related to the Kargil conflict, September 11 attacks, Indian Ocean tsunami, Gujarat earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, Nepal earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 19 Festival Highlights
In addition to the Nepal relief check presentation, the program will include a full day of religious and cultural programming at Bharatiya Temple.
Highlights include:
– Shri Ganesh Maha Abhishekam
– Children’s Ganesh Puja
– Daily Rajopchar Aarti of Lord Ganesha
– Ganrang Dance Competition
– Rajasthani folk music by visiting artists from Rajasthan
– Bharatanatyam recital by Guru Shweta Prachande
– Kathak dance drama by Aditi Bhagwat from Mumbai in support of the Support a Child charity
– Evening Bollywood orchestra by Kalamanch as a tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle
The festival program also includes a special Shehnai presentation by Pandit Lokesh Anand for Lord Ganesha.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Check Presentation: 4:00 PM
Venue: Bharatiya Temple
Address: 1612 County Line Road, Montgomeryville, PA 18936.