Indian Diaspora Members Celebrate Gangaur Festival 2026 at Bharatiya Temple in Pennsylvania

The 19th Gangaur Festival was celebrated with great “devotion, enthusiasm, and cultural grandeur” at the Bharatiya Temple in Pennsylvania, bringing together more than 500 members of the Indian diaspora and the Rajasthani community from across the northeastern United States. The gathering marked the sacred tradition of Isar–Gauri Mata.

The event was organized under the leadership of Shri Nand Todi, founder of the Bharatiya Temple, and Dr. Ravi Murarka, president of PARAM.

Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binay Srikanta Pradhan, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Prem Bhandari, President of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), New York, was the Guest of Honor. U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, the Mayor of Ambler, and several community leaders were also present, according to a statement from Dr. Murarka.

Bhandari was accompanied by several RANA New York members, including newly appointed Patron Jugal Kishore Ladda, Secretary Ravi Jargarh, and members Raj Garg, Vinay Jain, Sharad Agarwal, and Harish Thakkar.

The festival featured traditional rituals, including the worship of Gauri Mata, a grand Gangaur procession, cultural performances, and the serving of Rajasthani cuisine. Popular dishes such as Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Chhach (buttermilk) were among the highlights.

In his address, Ambassador Pradhan emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation within the Indian diaspora in the United States to address community challenges. He noted that the diaspora can play a significant role in strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the United States and India.

He also encouraged community members to support one another in entrepreneurship and trade through collaboration. Highlighting the evolving nature of bilateral ties, he said that while earlier engagements focused on economic assistance, the relationship is now increasingly driven by collaboration in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), trade, and technological innovation.

In his remarks, Bhandari, who also serves as the International Convener of the Akhil Bhartiya Rajasthani Bhasha Manyata Sangharsh Samiti, reiterated the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the Rajasthani language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. He said it is unfortunate that despite the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly unanimously passing a resolution on August 25, 2003, no meaningful progress has been achieved over the past 23 years.

Bhandari stated that all political parties share responsibility for the delay. He noted that over the past 16 years, he has participated in multiple efforts, including protests and representations at Rashtrapati Bhavan, but the lack of political will has prevented any decision. He also expressed concern that the Government of Rajasthan has yet to grant Rajasthani the status of a second official language in the state.

During his address, Bhandari commended Ambassador Pradhan for ensuring that the Indian Consulate remains accessible and actively engaged with the community throughout the year.

He also acknowledged Nand Todi, founder and philanthropist of the Bharatiya Temple, for his contribution of $1 million toward the construction of a shelter home in Philadelphia.

As part of the celebrations, nine children who won a poster competition were honored with cash awards and certificates by RANA, New York. The participants created posters showcasing Rajasthan’s tourist destinations, historic forts, and advocating for constitutional recognition of the Rajasthani language.

A separate meeting was held during the event with leaders from more than 25 Indian community organizations, where key community issues were discussed with the Consul General and Bhandari. Representatives also honored them with ceremonial shawls as a mark of respect.

Dr. Murarka expressed appreciation for the PARAM core group members and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the successful organization of the festival. He noted that the scale and smooth execution of the event reflected the collective commitment, teamwork, and dedication of the organizing team and community volunteers.