Massive Rajasthani Gangaur Festival held in Philadelphia

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The Gangaur Procession was led by Tanya Bamford, Montgomery Township Supervisor, and Beth Staab, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy Organizers

The colors and spirit of Rajasthan were reflected in the 18th Annual Bhartiya Temple Gangaur celebration, hosted in association with the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM) at Bharatiya Temple and cultural center, Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania, March 22, 2025.

It brought together community members and dignitaries from across the globe, according to organizers.

Neil Makhija, Montgomery County Commissioner. Lighting the lamp for the Gangaur Festival alongside other Montgomery County officials.

Dr. Francis Jayraj introduced 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).

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Others attending included Prem Bhandari (Founder of GARC and Chairperson of Jaipur Foot USA), President of RANA Rajasthan Association of North America, was chief Guest Ravi Sharma co founder of GARC Global Alliance of  Rajasthani community and president  from Melbourne, Australia, special guest and Vishal Mehta co founder of GARC from Tampa Florida, all of whom 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. Celebrations included folk performances like the Kalbelia dance by Bindu Raman, a Rajasthani song sung by Manisha Singhal accompanied on the dhol by Dhriti Kurhekar.

From left, Vishal Mehta, Co-founder of GARC (Global Alliance in Rajasthani Communities), Tampa, Florida; Dr. Ravi Murarka, President of PARAM (Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal);Nand Todi, Founder and President of Bharatiya Temple, Philadelphia; Ravi Sharma, Co-founder and President of GARC, Melbourne, Australia, at the Rajasthan festival.

The Ishar Gaur performance by Ayansh Ajmera and Shivi Chaudhary got a great response from the audience as well, as did the Kachhi Ghodi dance by Ajay Khandelwal with its  storytelling and rhythmic beats.

Prem Bhandari, Founder of GARC and President of RANA (Rajasthani Association of North America), New York, with other attendees at the Rajasthan festival.

During the festival, 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. They were awarded a monetary prize from Prem Bhandari, recognizing their dedication to preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s linguistic heritage.

Nand Todi (Founder and President Bhartiya Temple and Cultural Center) and Dr. Ravi Murarka (President PARAM), oversaw and guided the whole festival, the press release said.  The PARAM committee thanked volunteers, and appreciation was also extended to the Sewa International young volunteers.

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