Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal holds Annual Summer Picnic

Sangeet Gupta sharing her culinary skills while preparing the traditional jalebi dessert at the Annual Summer Picnic of the Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal, PARAM, June 28, 2025. ALL PHOTOS: PARAM

Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal USA, PARAM, a community organization for Rajasthanis in the tri-state area, hosted its much-anticipated Annual Summer Picnic June 28, 2025, a day filled with fun activities and celebration of culture and tradition.

Chester County, PA, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, attended the celebration, and spent time interacting with the community and presenting certificates and awards to young Rajasthani participants.

Attendees enjoying the Rajasthani Annual Summer Picnic in Philadelphia June 28, 2025. PHOTO: PARAM

Children displayed their talent in a poster exhibition on the importance of the Rajasthani language and culture during the Bhartiya Temple Gangaur Festival held in March this year.

One of the most memorable highlights of the picnic was the live cooking of authentic Rajasthani delicacies—Dal Baati Churma and fresh Jalebi—prepared on-site by volunteers and community members. The rich aroma and vibrant flavors brought a taste of Rajasthan to American soil, delighting all attendees, a press release from organizers said.

From left – Dr. Ravi Murarka, president of PARAM, Commissioner Josh Maxwell of Chester County, PA, and Pankaj Ajmera, PARAM Picnic Coordinator, at the June 28, 2025, Annual Summer Picnic hosted by PARAM. PHOTO: PARAM

The celebration also featured traditional games, ethnic group dances, and spirited performances to Rajasthani folk songs, immersing those present in the colors, sounds, and joy integral to Rajasthani heritage.

Families traveled from neighboring states such as New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia; others driving hundreds of miles, to be a part of the gathering.

“We are Rajasthani Indian-Americans—rooted in our values, rising across oceans,” organizers said in the press release. “Even though many of us have been away from our homeland for four to five decades, our hearts have never left Rajasthan. We continue to speak our language with pride, cook our traditional foods with love, and instill timeless values of community, respect, and togetherness in our next generation.”

Dr. Ravi Murarka, president of PARAM, reflected on the occasion, saying, “This picnic was not just a celebration—it was a reminder that even thousands of miles away, our culture thrives when we come together with unity and purpose. Seeing families, volunteers, and children connect through heritage, food, and music was truly heartwarming.”