Hundreds attend Diwali celebrated by Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America

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The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) held its annual Diwali celebration on Oct 26,  2024, in the ballroom of the Royal Albert’s Palace, Fords, New Jersey. The event was attended by more than 700 community members from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware, a press release from the organization said.

The attendees got to enjoy cultural programs, exhibitions by sponsors, Indian cuisine, and cultural perrformances including by Indian Idol’s famed singer Sonakshi Kar who came all the way from India just for this event, organizers said, who brought the audience to the dance floor.

The rich cultural diversity of Bihar and Jharkhand were highlighted with dance performances, melodious singing by children and adults from the community, and a poetry recital. Attendees were also treated to exhibitions by generous sponsors, heartfelt messages from distinguished guests,

The guest of honor, former New Jersey Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, currently commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, applauded the BJANA team for all their efforts and extended his warm wishes for a Happy Diwali to all.

Pragya Singh, India’s Consul (Community Affairs) was also present as a special guest.

Messages from the Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren, and the  Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha conveying their heartfelt congratulations and Diwali wishes to the entire Bihar and Jharkhand community in the United States, were part of the celebrations.

BJANA felicitated distinguished community leaders Alok Kumar – New Jersey, Dr. Surabhi Prasad – New Jersey, Chittaranjan Sahay – Connecticut, Lalit Jha – Press Trust of India, Washington DC, Rashmi Tewary and Kamlesh Tewary – Tewary Law Firm, New Jersey, during this Diwali celebration.

The organization’s founding members, Mrityunjay Singh and Rajendra Prasad were at the event as well. The BJANA team kicked off the planning for their 50th anniversary celebrations going to be held on May 24th and 25th, 2025, with the founding members and many past presidents of their organization.

The President of BJANA Sanjeev Singh, addressing attendees, emphasized BJANA’s ongoing fundraising efforts and charitable activities in the USA, Bihar, and Jharkhand, expressing gratitude to the community members for their active participation and unwavering support for BJANA’s philanthropic endeavors. He also thanked all the committee members and volunteers for their efforts and hard work.