The Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM) celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm by hosting its Sneh Milan 2025 on Saturday, November 1, at Indian Grill in Montgomeryville, PA. The event brought together 150 to 200 members and guests from Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York to honor the Festival of Lights.
Organizers described the celebration as being conducted in the “true Rajasthani spirit” and noted that the event was completely sold out. The atmosphere was vibrant with cultural performances, colorful traditional attire, and a strong sense of unity.
Guests enjoyed a festive dinner followed by music, dance, and laughter. Upon arrival, attendees were warmly welcomed with the traditional aarti and tilak ceremony. This was followed by live folk dances, music, and performances by talented local youth, showcasing the rich Rajasthani heritage.
A highlight of the evening was a spectacular fireworks display symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
The event also featured several high-profile special guests, including Commissioner Neil Makhija and his wife Dr. Rachel Nash; Harish Goyal, CEO of ZTV Africa and America, and his wife Dr. Renu Goyal; and Nand Todi, president of Bharatiya Temple and a noted philanthropic leader. Todi’s guidance and community service remain a source of inspiration for the Rajasthani and Indian diaspora across the region.
PARAM President Dr. Ravi Murarka, alongside Core Committee Member Pankaj Ajmera, expressed gratitude to all volunteers, sponsors, and committee members for their dedication and teamwork. “This Diwali was not just about celebration — it was about connection, culture, and community. PARAM symbolizes unity, compassion, and pride for every Rajasthani family in North America,” stated Dr. Murarka.
The event’s sponsors included Gwynedd Wealth Partners (Vivek Sharma), World Financial Group (Vijay Singhal), Todi Foundation (Nand Todi), Premier Rider Services (Pramod Agrawal), NextGen IT Services (Manoj Gandhi), and Teadus Pharma (Umamaheswar Siripurapu).
Looking ahead, PARAM is already preparing for its next major cultural event — the 19th Annual Bharatiya Temple Gangaur Festival, scheduled for March 14, 2026. According to the organization, this festival is one of the largest Rajasthani celebrations in North America.
https://newsindiatimes.com/param-diwali-sneh-milan-2025-lights-up-philadelphia/
