Hundreds of Rajasthanis from around the country gather to celebrate Teej festival in New Jersey

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Rajasthan Organization of American Residents (ROAR) and Jhoom Events celebrated the 8^th Annual Rajasthani Teej Mahotsav on August 9, 2024 in Royal Alberts Palace, Edison.

More than 1,000 people gathered to observe the festival according to organizers.

Tarang Soni is currently the president of ROAR, and CEO of Jhoom Events, and organizers said in a press release that under her leadership, it was a “grand” event, and the “biggest” Rajasthani festival in America.

Teej is the Hindu festival 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.

People came dressed in full Rajasthani attire. Pagadis and saffas were given by the organization to the members to complete the look. Women were dressed in beautiful lehenga choli, Ghaghara and Indian dresses.

People drove and flew in from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Minnesota, Indianapolis, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, California, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Maryland, Washington DC, Seattle, and hundreds of people from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

Starting with the pagadi bandhai and welcoming ceremony with Dhol/Nagada and tilaks, attendees enjoyed drinks and snacks.

The Teej Mata procession started at 6 PM with Pooja of Teej Mata with Shanknad, dhol, bell, at the Neel Kamal Hall (Jaipur Palace) of the Royal Albert’s Palace premises.

Kalbelia dances, the fire dance and many traditional dances were performed in front of the Teej Mata by several women led by ROAR Teej Queen.

Priests did Shankhnad to announce the start of the procession. Kids dressed up as Padmavati, Shiva and Parvati led the procession, followed by Kalash yatra by many ladies, who carried the traditional kalash & matkas on their heads, Rajputi talwar (sword) followed by Teej Mata. Both men and women did the traditional Rajasthani dance, including Katchhi Ghodi dance.

Finally, Teej Mata entered in the balcroom at 7 PM with Ghanta Dhwani, Shanknaad and shlok Chanting.

Diya lighting ceremony was conducted by the ROAR Patrons and Advisors Tarang Soni, Naveen Shah, Mukesh Modi, Dr. Ravi Muraraka, and delegates Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh and Pragya Singh, Consul (Visa and Community Affairs), NY Indian Consulate.

Dr. Parikh said in a Facebook post, “It was an immense honor to be recognized at the Teej Mahotsav celebration. Being part of such a vibrant and culturally rich community is a privilege I truly cherish.”

After the traditional Rajasthani dance, the 2^nd International Rajasthani Pageant began. It was judged by film producer Mukesh Modi, Brenda Bjerke (Head of Target Securities), Neha Bhansali (1^st International Pageant’s Mrs Rajasthan). Women in traditional Rajasthani attire participated in the Miss Rajasthan Pageant.

Kareena Jain won the Miss Rajasthan International Title, Megha Mohnot was the First Runners-Up Miss International Rajasthan.

Sarah Gupta won the Miss Teen Rajasthan International title; Vedvalli Vyas won the First Runners-Up, and Mati Rajvashi won the Second Runners-Up title.

Tina Goyal won the Mrs. Rajasthan International title followed by Shreya Dixit as First Runners-Up and Sanju Purohit as Second Runners-Up in the ‘Mrs’ category.

Nikita Goyal won special Padmavati Award, while Akshi Bansal became the TEEJ Queen. Vandana Tambi won the Melodious Voice title, and Ritu Dewan won the Fashion Icon title.

ROAR endowed the Maharani Saa title for 2023, on Late  Shobhana Patel for her contributions and work for society.

Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Princess Diya Kumari wished all the Rajasthanis a very happy Teej and good wishes for  2^nd International Rajasthan Pageant participants.

Last year winners in different categories Neha Bhansali, Dimple Kapoor, Puja Gupta, Priyal Kumar, Priyal Garg andPrisha Oza performed traditional dances and songs, showcasing their talent.

Show was hosted by Aric Diamani and co-hosted by youngsters Atharva Soni and Prisha Oza.

Popular singer and musician Khuda Baksh rocked the program in a live concert, performing several Rajasthani and other Indian songs for more than an hour, enjoyed by the gathering until midnight.

Stalls in the shopping area was set up traditional Rajasthani wear, jewelry, shoes, paintings, ice gola, paan etc.

Delicious Rajasthani food was served to all the attendees –the  famous Rajasthani Dal-Baati-Churma, Ghevar, Jalebi Rabadi, Gol Gappe, Matar ki Kachoriya, Gatte ki sabzi and Kulfi among other things. An open bar, and premium drinks were available.