Aabhushan Teej Mahotsav celebrated by Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR) and Jhoom Events

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The 7^th Annual Rajasthani Aabhushan Teej Mahotsav was celebrated on August 18, 2023 in Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, NJ (Edison) “in a very grand and elaborated way” under the leadership of Tarang Soni, President of the Rajasthani Organization of American Residents (ROAR), and CEO-Jhoom Events.

Teej is the Hindu festival that is celebrated by women in many parts of North India. Haryali Teej or Sawan ki Teej welcomes the monsoon and is celebrated primarily by girls and women, with songs, dancing and prayer rituals. The monsoon festival of Teej is primarily dedicated to Parvati and her union with Lord Shankar.

According to organizers, this was the biggest Teej celebration in all of North America where more than 1,000 attendees came in full Rajasthani dress including pagadis and saffas which were given by the organization to the members to complete the look. Ladies were dressed up in traditional lehenga choli, Ghaghara and Indian dresses.

Mahotsav started at 3 PM, with pagadi bandhai for all the members accompanied by Dhol/Nagada and tilaks, as well as welcome drinks and snacks.

At 6 PM, Teej Mata procession started with Pooja/Aarti of Teej Mata at the Neel Kamal Hall (Jaipur Palace) of the Royal Albert’s premises. Following the aarti. Kalbelia Dances, Fire Dance and many traditional dances were performed in front of the Teej Mata by women led by ROAR Teej Queen.

Priests did Shankhnad to announce the start of the procession of the Teej Mata. A fully decorated Camel (for the first time ever in New Jersey) led the procession of the Teej Mata, followed Kalash yatra by women who carried the traditional kalash & matakas on their heads, followed by Teej Mata.

Finally Teej Mata entered in the Ball room at 7 PM with Ghanta Dhwani, Shanknaad and shlok Chanting. Diya Lighting were done by Chandra ji along with other Dignitaries.

An opening dance performance done to Rajasthani traditional songs was followed by the story of Rajasthan.

The first-ever International Rajasthani Pageant was conducted. More than 15 women participated in the Miss and Mrs categories. Priyal Kumar won the Miss Rajasthan International title; Priyal Garg was First Runners Up Miss International Rajasthan; followed by Prisha Oza as Second Runners Up in the Miss category

Neha Bhansali won the Mrs. Rajasthan International title followed by Dimple Kapoor as First Runners-Up; and Puja Gupta as Second Runners Up in the Mrs Category.

Some other major titles were won as follow:  Beautiful Eyes- Ashima; Beautiful Smile – Deepti; Best Ramp Walk – Priyanka;  Most Talented – Pooja; Photogenic – Aritrika; Charming Personality- Kiran; Confident – Mati; Beautiful Outfit- Neha; Fashion icon – Priyal Kumar; Social Media Icon- Puja Gupta;  Attitude – Prisha: Melodious Voice- Priyal Garg; and Dancing Star- Monika.

Also honored were Naveen Shah, CEO of Navika Capital Group and Dr. Samin Sharma with the “Pride of Rajasthan.”

Haridas Kotahwala was honored with “Danveer Bhamashah” Award for this philanthropy work in the community and United States for more than 50 years. Shobhana Patel was honored with the “Maharani Saa.” Rosy Thakkar was honored with “Rani Padmavati” award. Deepti Solanki was awarded the TEEJ Queen 2023.

Dignitaries present included Dilip Chauhan, Deputy-Commissioner New York City along with NY State Senators and Assembly members.

Bharatiya Janata Party State President C.P. Joshi ji joined the Mahotsav online twice from India, to congratulate the organizers and ROAR President Tarang Soni, and wished Happy Teej to all the attendees, and the women for their Suhaag.

Jigna Bhatt performed a popular Ghoomar dance and other folk dances. Popular singer and musician Khuda Baksh capped the program with a live concert singing several Rajasthani and other Indian songs for more than an hour .

ROAR also launched its Magazine “Jharoka” on the occasion. Stalls selling a variety of Rajasthani dresses, jewelry, shoes, paintings were crowded. A free mehndi counter put the designs on those interested.