Rang Barse 2022 honors South Brunswick first responders

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The Hindu American Society of Central New Jersey, South Brunswick chapter recently held a Holi celebration, Rang Barse 2022, to honor the South Brunswick first responders, members of the Police, Emergency Medical Services and Fire department.

The event was a success, attended by more than 700 community members from South Brunswick and nearby townships, organizers said in a press release. Attendees celebrated Holi by playing with colors. And there were activities for all ages including a bouncy house for kids as well as spiritual discourses for adults.

The Ganesh Vandana, a Hindu prayer that is used at the start of any event, was performed by two South Brunswick High school volunteers.  Cultural dances were performed by South Brunswick high school students, Nrityakala Dance Academy,  Rita Dance Academy, Dance 4 ever Studios, and Archana Arts throughout the event.

Students of the Mallakhamb federation demonstrated traditional aerial yoga skills.

Local food vendors served up their best, such as Playa Bowls, South Brunswick, Persis Indian Lounge and Ice Gola Express. Other booths included Om Foundation, Showfest, Jenik Creations, Kinjal Shah of NY life, Shilpa Nanavati Mahajan, a  Remax Sales Associate, Hindi USA, Param Wellness, Mr. Happy Party Rental, and Hindus for America.

The organizers honored the priests of various Hindu temples including the Durga Mandir, Shri Swami Narayan Hindu Temple, Shirdi Sai Dham, and the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara with traditional Saropa for their “invaluable service” to the community.

A highlight was the felicitation of First Responders for whom South Brunswick High School students sang the American national anthem with pride, followed by South Brunswick residents singing the Indian national anthem, to symbolize the unity of the world’s two largest democracies, organizers said.

The event was attended by South Brunswick Mayor Charlie Carley, South Brunswick Police Chief Raymond Hayducka, Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad Chief Rich Hoff, Kendall Park First Aid Squad Chief Srini Vallury, Councilwoman Archana Grover as well as Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra.

The community thanked first responders for their dedication, commitment, and selfless service by honoring the chiefs of each department and Mayor Charlie with plaques and traditional Saropas. They were also feted with a dinner.

Volunteers from various towns including South Brunswick, Piscataway, Edison, East Brunswick, North Brunswick, Hillsboro as well as New York City contributed significantly to the success of this event. Hindu American Society of Central New Jersey, South Brunswick chapter successfully organized Rang Barse 2022 to honor the South Brunswick first responders  (Police, EMS, and Fire department) and celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi, a festival of colors.

The event started with Ganesh Vandana, a Hindu prayer that is used at the start of any event, performed by two South Brunswick High school volunteers.  This was followed by Cultural dance performances conducted by South Brunswick high school students, Nrityakala Dance Academy,  Rita Dance Academy, Dance 4 ever Studios, and Archana Arts throughout the event. Students of the Mallakhamb federation demonstrated traditional aerial yoga skills. The event also featured local food vendors, such as Playa Bowls, South Brunswick, Persis Indian Lounge and Ice Gola Express as well as various other vendors displaying & advertising their services, such as  Om foundation, Showfest, Jenik Creations, Kinjal Shah – NY life, Shilpa Nanavati Mahajan – Remax Sales Associate, Hindi USA, Param Wellness, Mr. Happy Party Rental, and Hindus for America.  The organizers honored the priests of various Hindu temples including the Durga Mandir, Shri Swami Narayan Hindu Temple, Shirdi Sai Dham, and the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara with traditional Saropa for their invaluable service to the community.

ITV Gold, which is part of Parikh Worldwide Media, was among the media supporters of the event.

Organizers concluded the event by thanking Mayor Charlie Carley, township officials, and members of the community for their active support and guidance in contributing to the success of this event and by remembering the true spirit of Holi – Unity in Diversity.

For further information about the Hindu American Society of Central Jersey, contact hasocnj@gmail.com