The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) – New York will celebrate Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan on March 28 at the Consulate General of India in New York, bringing together members of the Rajasthani diaspora and the wider Indian-American community for an evening of culture, music and community engagement.
The event is expected to highlight Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage while strengthening ties among diaspora organizations across the United States.
The cultural evening will feature a virtual musical performance by singer Anwar Hussain along with his renowned Bollywood Maharaja Band from Paris. Acclaimed poet Abhinav Shukla will also take part in the program with a special poetry recital.
Organizers said the celebration marks the first time that RANA is hosting Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan in collaboration with several community organizations. The event is being jointly organized with Jaipur Foot USA, BRUHUD New York Seniors, the American Punjabi Society (APS), the Association of Indians in America (AIA), and Team Aid.
The collaboration aims to broaden participation from across the Indian diaspora and make the celebration more inclusive and engaging for attendees.
During a recent RANA Board Meeting, the organization also paid tribute to two esteemed patron members who had been associated with the organization since its inception 27 years ago. The board honored the contributions of world-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chitranjan Ranawat and noted jeweler Dharam Chand Heerawat, both of whom played significant roles in supporting the association over the years.
Following their demise, the RANA board unanimously resolved to appoint four new Patron Members to the prestigious position. Patron Membership in the organization carries a one-time contribution of Rs 25 lakh.
Four new patron members welcomed
The newly nominated Patron Members include world-famous interventional cardiologist Dr Samin Sharma, leading ACO head in the United States, Dr Raj Bansal, noted jeweller Ashok Sancheti, and businessman and philanthropist Jugal Kishore Ladda.
RANA President Prem Bhandari welcomed the four new Patron Members on behalf of the RANA Board and acknowledged their support for the organization's activities and initiatives.
RANA Secretary Ravi Jagarh shared details of the upcoming celebration and the board decisions with the media through an official press note.
Separately, another major cultural event celebrating Rajasthani traditions is scheduled to take place earlier in March. On March 14, the 19th Gangaur Festival will be organized by PARAM (Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal) at the Bhartiya Temple.
PARAM President Dr. Ravi Murarka announced that the Chief Guest for the festival will be Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York. The Guest of Honor for the event will be RANA President Prem Bhandari.
The Gangaur festival, an important cultural celebration associated with Rajasthan, is expected to bring together members of the Rajasthani community in the United States to celebrate the state's traditions, heritage and community spirit.
Both events are expected to strengthen cultural connections among members of the Rajasthani diaspora while highlighting Rajasthan's traditions and identity on an international platform.
