RANA to Celebrate Rajasthan Day and Holi Get-Together in New York for the First Time

Event to be held March 28 at Consulate General of India; Cultural evening to feature virtual performance by Anwar Hussain from Paris

• I.S. Saluja

NEW YORK (TIP): The Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) – New York will celebrate Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan for the first time in the city on March 28 at the Consulate General of India in New York. The event is expected to bring together members of the Indian diaspora and community leaders to celebrate Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage alongside the joyous festival of Holi.

The evening will feature a cultural program highlighted by a virtual musical performance by internationally known singer Anwar Hussain along with his celebrated Bollywood Maharaja Band from Paris. The program will also include a special poetry recital by acclaimed poet Abhinav Shukla, adding a literary dimension to the celebration.

According to organizers, this marks the first time that RANA is celebrating Rajasthan Diwas and Holi Sneh Milan in collaboration with several prominent Indian-American community organizations. These include Jaipur Foot USA, BRUHUD NY Seniors, American Punjabi Society, Association of Indians in America, and Team Aid. The collaboration reflects the spirit of unity among various diaspora organizations in promoting Indian culture and traditions in the United States.

During a recent meeting of its Board of Directors, RANA also paid heartfelt tributes to two distinguished Patron Members who had been associated with the organization since its founding 27 years ago. The Board honored the memory of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Chitranjan Ranawat and noted jeweler Dharam Chand Heerawat for their longstanding service and dedication to the organization and the community.

Following their passing, the Board unanimously resolved to appoint four new Patron Members to continue the legacy of support and leadership within the organization. Patron Membership in RANA carries a one-time contribution of ₹25 lakh and is regarded as a prestigious recognition within the community.

The newly nominated Patron Members include world-renowned interventional cardiologist Dr. Samin Sharma, prominent healthcare leader Dr. Raj Bansal, well-known jeweler Ashok Sancheti, and businessman and philanthropist Jugal Kishore Ladda.

Welcoming the new Patron Members, RANA President Prem Bhandari expressed gratitude for their commitment to the organization and the broader community. He said their involvement would further strengthen RANA’s mission of promoting Rajasthani culture and supporting charitable and community initiatives.

RANA Secretary Ravi Jagarh shared details of the upcoming event in a press note issued to the media.

The March 28 celebration is expected to be a vibrant gathering of community leaders, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the Indian diaspora, highlighting Rajasthan’s traditions while celebrating the spirit of Holi in New York.