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Bharatiya temple in Montgomery to host 18th Gangaur festival
The event will bring together participants from 10 US states and distinguished guests from around the world.
Gangaur is Rajasthan’s most revered traditions. / Courtesy Photo
The Bharatiya Temple and Cultural Center, in association with the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM), will host the 18th annual Gangaur Festival on Mar.22, bringing one of Rajasthan’s most revered traditions to the Indian diaspora in the United States.
Gangaur, celebrated each March in Rajasthan, is dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and symbolizes marital harmony and prosperity. Traditionally observed by women, the festival involves fasting, intricate henna designs, and processions featuring elaborately adorned idols of Gauri and Isarji (Lord Shiva). Married women pray for their husbands’ well-being, while unmarried women seek blessings for an ideal partner. In Rajasthan, cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur commemorate the occasion with folk performances, processions, and religious ceremonies, culminating in the immersion of Gauri’s idol in water, symbolizing her reunion with Lord Shiva.
The event in Montgomery Township will bring together participants from 10 US states and distinguished guests from around the world. / Courtesy PhotoThe event in Montgomery Township will bring together participants from 10 US states and distinguished guests from around the world. Children from the community will present multimedia showcases on Rajasthan’s traditions, cuisine, and language, while attendees will experience traditional folk performances, including Ghoomar and Kalbeliya dances. The celebrations will conclude with an authentic Rajasthani feast, featuring Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Mohan Thal.
Local officials expected to attend include Tanya Bamford (Montgomery Township supervisor), Neil Makhija (Montgomery Township commissioner), Beth Staab (board of supervisors), and Eric Pelletier (Montgomery Township auditor). Representatives from the Global Alliance of Rajasthani Community (GARC), including Prem Bhandari (founder, GARC), Ravi Sharma (GARC, Australia), and Vishal Mehta (co-founder, GARC), will also be present.
Local officials expected to attend. / Courtesy Photo
Dr. Ravi Murarka, the program coordinator and president of PARAM, emphasized the importance of the festival in preserving and promoting Rajasthani culture among the Indian diaspora. “Gangaur is more than a religious festival—it is a celebration of Rajasthan’s cultural identity, history, and traditions. By bringing this festival to the U.S., we aim to strengthen community ties and share our heritage with a wider audience,” he said.
Gangaur, celebrated each March in Rajasthan, is dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati) and symbolizes marital harmony and prosperity. / Courtesy Photo
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