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Maheshwari community celebrates culture, progress, and prosperity in Philadelphia
The formal opening ceremony featured notable guests such as Consul General of India Binaya Pradhan, Consul Manish Kulhary, philanthropist Chandrika Tandon, and educationist Naveen Maheshwari from Kota, Rajasthan.
Chandrika Tandon with traditionally dressed ladies performing welcome dance / Image- Maheshwari Mahasabha convention
The International Maheshwari and Rajasthani Convention (IMRC) 2024, hosted by the Northeast Chapter of the Maheshwari Mahasabha of North America (MMNA), brought together nearly 1,200 Maheshwaris from around the world in Philadelphia over the Labor Day weekend.
The four-day event, a celebration of Sanskriti (culture), Pragati (progress), and Samriddhi (prosperity), combined tradition with modernity while fostering intergenerational connections within the Maheshwari community.
The gathering opened on Aug.30 with a traditional welcome, including a garland ceremony, dhol beats, and Marwari tilak, symbolizing the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. An ice-breaker event by RAYS (Rajasthani Abroad Youth Samaj) and a "Band Baaja Baraat" performance recreated the essence of a Marwari wedding. The evening activities, including karaoke and Antakshari, energized the crowd.
Guests hearing the talk by Swami Yoginath at Akshardham Temple, NJ / Image- Maheshwari Mahasabha convention The formal opening ceremony the next day featured notable guests such as Consul General of India Binaya Pradhan, Consul Manish Kulhary, philanthropist Chandrika Tandon, and educationist Naveen Maheshwari from Kota, Rajasthan.
Maheshwari displayed a shila from Ayodhya’s Ram Lalla temple, underscoring the event’s spiritual connection. Convener Tarun Mandhania said, “The presence of the sacred shila from Ayodhya made this gathering truly blessed.”
Sajjangot-style lunch, which included traditional dishes like Daal Baati Churma, was served over 1,000 people in a seated format, earning widespread appreciation for its authenticity. A cultural showcase followed, featuring performances by various MMNA chapters. The North East Chapter’s Ramayana-based MIME act was a crowd favorite, earning a standing ovation. Senior members were honored, including Lata Maheshwari, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Guests being served in pangat style SajjanGoth lunch / Image- Maheshwari Mahasabha convention
Attendees also visited the Akshardham temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, where they were addressed by Swami Yoginath, followed by a live performance by the band Dhwani. The day concluded with a lively performance by the band Dhwani, whose music energized attendees well into the night.
The closing ceremony featured hand-painted t-shirt performances by children, more MIME acts, and an acknowledgment of the 150+ volunteers who made the event possible. MMNA president Abhilasha Rathi noted, “This convention was a testament to our community's unity, progress, and cultural pride.”
The Core Team: Vaibhav Gagrani, Alok Modani, Aditya Vikram Daga, Jugal Ladda, Anita Ajmera, Jitendra Mucchal, Tarun Mandhania, Rajesh Kabra, Shilpa Laddha, Naveen Sarda, Mukul Rathi, Pavan Heda, Seema Moondra, Amita Ajmera / Image- Maheshwari Mahasabha convention A fireside chat with Chandrika Tandon, who shared her life journey and engaged in singing and dancing with attendees, added a personal touch to the gathering. “The Maheshwari community’s values are truly remarkable, and it was an honor to be part of this celebration,” Tandon shared.
The convention also offered an array of sessions on topics ranging from yoga and meditation to entrepreneurship and professional networking, including a speed-dating event that drew strong participation. Innovations like family ID-based registrations and digital displays enhanced the experience while reducing the event's environmental footprint.
As the convention came to a close, convener Tarun Mandhania reflected, "IMRC 2024 successfully blended our rich culture with global traditions, reaffirming the strength and unity of the Maheshwari community."
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