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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 11, 2025 | The Indian Eye 24

18th Annual Bhartiya Temple Gangaur celebration

hosted in association with the Philadelphia

Rajasthani Mandal at Bharatiya Temple

OUR BUREAU
rhythmic beats. During the festival
Philadelphia celebration, young advocates Diya
Mundhra, Svar Kanungo, and Ansh
he vibrant spirit of Rajasthan Amit Vyas presented posters reflect-
illuminated the US, as the 18th
TAnnual Bhartiya Temple Gan- ing the culture, spirit and cuisine of
Rajasthan, and passionately urged
gaur celebration, hosted in associa- for the inclusion of the Rajasthani
tion with the Philadelphia Rajasthani language as an official language in
Mandal (PARAM) at Bharatiya Tem- the Indian Constitution. Their com-
ple and cultural center, Montgom- mendable efforts earned them a mon-
ery Township, Pennsylvania, brought etary prize from Shri Prem Bhandari,
together community members and recognizing their dedication to pre-
dignitaries from across the globe for serving and promoting Rajasthan’s
a grand cultural spectacle. This year’s linguistic heritage.
celebration embraced the rich tradi- Entire festival celebration was ex-
tions of Rajasthan, fostering a sense ecuted under the guidance and super-
of cultural unity and pride among at- vision of Shri Nand Todi Ji (Founder
tendees.
and President Bhartiya Temple and
The event was graced by sev- Cultural Center) and Dr. Ravi Murar-
Their presence underscored The highlight of the event was ka (President PARAM), whose lead-
eral prominent dignitaries. Dr. the significance of cultural heritage the Gaur-Isar Puja, a sacred and ership ensured the event’s success.
Francis Jayraj had the honor of events in strengthening community time-honored ritual symbolizing mar- PARAM committee thanked the ded-
ties. Adding to the prestige of the ital bliss and devotion. The celebra- icated volunteers who put in their tire-
introducing esteemed county occasion, distinguished personalities tion further came alive with mesmer- less efforts to make this celebration a
officials, including Neil Makhija such as Prem Bhandari(Founder of izing folk performances, including grand success. Appreciation was also
GARC and Chairperson of Jaipur
extended to the Sewa International
the Kalbelia dance by Bindu Raman,
(Montgomery County Commis- Foot USA), President of RANA Ra- a captivating performance that show- young volunteers, whose enthusiasm
sioner), Tanya Bamford (Mont- jasthan Association of North Amer- cased the hypnotic and fluid move- and commitment played a crucial role
ica,was chief Guest Ravi Sharma ments of Rajasthani tradition, and in the seamless execution of the event.
gomery Township Supervisor), co-founder of GARC Global Alli- a Rajasthani melodious song sung With an overwhelming turn-
Beth Staab (Montgomery Town- ance of Rajasthani community and by Manisha Singhal and on the dhol out and enthusiastic participation,
president from Melbourne, Austra- by Dhriti Kurhekar. The Ishar Gaur the 18th Annual Gangaur Celebra-
ship Board of Supervisors), lia, special guest and Vishal Mehta performance by Ayansh Ajmera and tion at Bhartiya Temple reaffirmed
and Eric Pelletier (Montgomery co-founder of GARC from Tampa Shivi Chaudhary enthralled the audi- its status as a cornerstone event for
Rajasthanis in the USA, celebrating
Florida guest addressed the gathering,
ence, while the Kachhi Ghodi dance
Township Auditor). sharing their insights on Rajasthan’s by Ajay Khandelwal added an ele- tradition, community, and cultural
cultural legacy and its global impact. ment of high-energy storytelling and heritage with grandeur and devotion.

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