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Pennsylvania PARAM picnic celebrates Rajasthan's living traditions
Community gathering featured traditional games, volunteer-cooked meals and recognition of students promoting Rajasthani culture.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 15, Jul 2026
- 01:35 EDT
- 25
Recognition of students for promoting the state's cultural heritage. / Courtesy photo
The Philadelphia Rajasthani Mandal (PARAM) held its annual summer picnic at Charlestown Township Park in Pennsylvania on July 12, bringing together families from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and neighboring states to celebrate Rajasthani culture and community.
The event featured traditional food prepared by volunteers, Rajasthani games for children and adults, and recognition of students for promoting the state's cultural heritage.
Chester County Commissioner 'Josh Maxwell' attended the gathering as chief guest. He met community members, observed the cultural activities and sampled several traditional dishes, including Kota Hing Kachori. He also commended volunteers for preparing homemade Rajasthani cuisine.
ALSO READ: Philadelphia’s Bharatiya Temple hosts Gangaur Festival
Unlike many community events, the picnic continued the tradition of preparing meals on site rather than using outside catering. Volunteers arrived early with cooking vessels, utensils, spices and fresh ingredients to prepare dishes together throughout the day.
Guests were served Kota Hing Kachori, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Aloo Ki Sabzi, dal, rice, fresh rotis, Lasun Chutney, Kairi Ka Panna, Ras Malai, ice cream and traditional paan.
PARAM President 'Dr. Ravi Murarka' said the organization's goal is to preserve the Rajasthani language, traditions and cultural heritage for younger generations growing up in the United States.
Guests were served Kota Hing Kachori, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Aloo Ki Sabzi, dal, rice, fresh rotis, Lasun Chutney, Kairi Ka Panna, Ras Malai, ice cream and traditional paan. / Courtesy photo"Our children are Americans by birth, but they should also know where their ancestors came from," Murarka said. "They should know our language, our traditions, our festivals, our food, and our values. Heritage survives only when it is practiced."
The picnic also celebrated Rajasthan's traditional games, giving both children and adults an opportunity to experience activities enjoyed for generations. Adults participated in Satoliya, while many children were introduced to Ghoda Javar Khay for the first time. Cricket, volleyball and badminton were also part of the day's activities.
The event included recognition of nine students who represented Rajasthani heritage during the Bharatiya Temple Gangaur Festival through presentations and posters highlighting the Rajasthani language, cuisine, festivals and culture. Maxwell presented the awards and recognized the students for their efforts to preserve their cultural roots while growing up in the United States.
The picnic was organized entirely through volunteer efforts / Courtesy photo
The students had also been recognized earlier this year by the Rajasthan Association of North America for promoting Rajasthani heritage. A special recognition was presented to 'Aarushi Sharma', whose presentation on preserving one's mother tongue received appreciation from RANA President 'Shri Prem Bhandari'.
The picnic was organized entirely through volunteer efforts. Volunteers handled event planning, transported cooking equipment, prepared and served meals, coordinated activities and cleaned the park after the event. Murarka also joined other volunteers in preparing Kota Hing Kachoris and fresh rotis.
PARAM is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization that works to preserve and promote the language, traditions and heritage of Rajasthan while supporting Rajasthani families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and neighboring states through cultural, educational and community initiatives.
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