Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 8 CITY VIEWS March 20, 2026 19th Bharatiya Temple Gangaur Festival Celebrated With Great Fervor In Pennsylvania T he 19th Gangaur Festival was cel- ebrated at the Bharatiya Temple in Pennsylvania. More than 500 mem- bers of the Indian diaspora and the Rajasthani community from vari- ous states across the northeastern United States gathered to celebrate the sacred tradition of Isar–Gauri Mata. Dr. Ravi Murarka, President of the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM), sent a press release about the event March 16. The event was organized under the leadership of Nand Todi, founder of the Bharatiya Temple, and Dr. Murarka. Consul General of India in NewYork Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, was the Chief Guest. Prem Bhandari, President of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), NewYork, was the Guest of Honor. Representing the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, Razin Karu at- tended the festival and delivered a special message on behalf of the Governor. In addition, U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative (PA 8th District); Jeanne Sorg, Mayor of Ambler; Tanya Bamford, Board Chair, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors; and Beth Allen Staab, Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, along with several commu- nity leaders, were also present. Several members of Rajasthan Associa- tion of North America (RANA), NewYork accompanied Prem Bhandari, including newly appointed Patron Jugal Kishore Ladda, Secretary Ravi Jargarh, and mem- bers Raj Garg, Vinay Jain, Sharad Agarwal, and Harish Thakkar. During the festival, devotees participat- ed in the worship of Gauri Mata, a grand Gangaur procession, cultural performanc- es, and the serving of traditional Rajast- hani cuisine. Special attractions included Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Chhach (buttermilk). In his address, Ambassador Pradhan emphasized that the Indian diaspora in the United States should work together in unity and cooperation to address the issues and challenges faced by the Indian community in America. He said that the Indian diaspora can play an important role in strengthening the multifaceted re- lationship between the United States and India. He also encouraged members of the Indian community to inspire and support their fellow Indians in entrepreneurship and trade through collaboration. He noted that the nature of U.S.–India relations has evolved over time while earlier the focus was on economic assistance, today the relationship is increasingly centered on collaboration in modern sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), trade partner- ships, and technological cooperation. In his address, Prem Bhandari, who serves as the International Convener of the Akhil Bhartiya Rajasthani Bha- sha Manyata Sangharsh Samiti and is a prominent voice of the Indian diaspora community, highlighted the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the Rajast- hani language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. He stated that it is extremely unfortunate that despite the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly unani- mously passing a resolution on August 25, 2003, no concrete progress has been made in this direction over the past 23 years. During his remarks, Bhandari also praised Ambassador Pradhan for ensur- ing that the Indian Consulate remains accessible and active for the community 365 days a year, maintaining continuous engagement with members of the Indian diaspora. He also appreciated Nand Todi, founder and philanthropist of the Bharatiya Temple, who has generously donated $1 million for the construction of a shelter home in Montgomery County in Pennsyl- vania. During the festival, nine children who won the poster competition were hon- ored. These nine children were presented cash awards and certificates by the Rajast- han Association of North America (RANA), NewYork. The children created beautiful posters highlighting Rajasthan’s tourist destinations, historic forts, and the impor- tance of granting constitutional recogni- tion to the Rajasthani language. On this occasion, a special meeting was also held with leaders of more than 25 Indian community organizations, where community issues were discussed with Consul General Pradhan and Prem Bhan- dari. During the meeting, representatives of all organizations also honored them by draping ceremonial shawls as a mark of respect. Dr. Ravi Murarka also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the PARAM core group members and numerous volun- teers whose dedication and tireless efforts made the 19th Bharatiya Temple Gangaur Festival a grand success. The Gangaur Festival has become an important platform for strengthening Rajasthani culture, traditions, and unity among the Indian diaspora. By a StaffWriter Scenes from the ceremonies. PHOTOS:ORGANIZERS 8th New Jersey Indian & International Film Festival To Showcase Global Cinema T he 8th New Jersey Indian & Inter- national Film Festival (NJIIFF) will take place March 28–29, bringing together filmmakers, artists and audiences to celebrate independent cin- ema and culturally diverse storytelling. Organized by the Indian Arts & Culture Corporation, the festival aims to connect filmmakers from India, the United States and the global diaspora while promoting socially relevant and meaningful films. The opening ceremony is scheduled for March 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Regal Hadley Theatre in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Filmmakers, invited guests and community members are expected to at- tend the event, which will officially launch the two-day festival. A special screening and awards pro- gram will follow on March 29 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the ITV Gold Auditorium, located at 1655 Oak Tree Road in Edison, New Jersey. Selected films will be show- cased, followed by an awards ceremony recognizing participating filmmakers and artists. Among the featured works is the award- winning short film “Two Steps,” highlight- ing emerging voices and storytelling in independent cinema. The festival is presented in associa- tion with the 5th Marathi International Film Festival and supports the 4th Florida South Asian Film Festival, reflecting a col- laborative effort to promote South Asian and international filmmaking. Through its programming and out- reach, NJIIFF seeks to encourage dialogue, creativity and cross-cultural collaboration among filmmakers and audiences. The event is funded in part by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, with sup- port from the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through an arts grant. For more information, visit www. njiiff.org . Media Contact: Hemant M. Pandya Indian Arts & Culture Corporation By a StaffWriter PHOTO: ORGANIZERS/ FILE PHOTO Attendees gather during a previous New Jersey Indian & International Film Festival event, celebrating independent cinema and cultural storytelling.