Celebrating Holi with BJANA members in USA: A Vibrant Fusion of Culture and Community

Celebrating Holi with BJANA members in USA: A Vibrant Fusion of Culture and Community

Holi, the festival of colors, is a celebration that transcends borders and brings people together in joyous harmony. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a memorable Holi celebration organized by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) in America. What ensued was an unforgettable fusion of culture, camaraderie, and culinary delights, reminiscent of the festive fervor back home in Bihar.

Embracing Tradition in the Heart of America:

As I stepped into the venue (Royal Albert’s Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Rd, Fords, NJ 08863) adorned with colorful decorations, I was immediately enveloped in an atmosphere teeming with excitement and anticipation. The spirit of Holi was palpable, as individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities came together to revel in the festivities.

Cultural Extravaganza:

The celebration kicked off with traditional music, dance performances by ladies, including the ramp walk done by parent-kid duo setting the stage for a day filled with joy and merriment. One of the highlights of the event was the vibrant musical performance done by the “gamcha” group(Sorry, not able to recollect the original group name) which showcased the rich heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand. From mesmerizing folk dances to soul-stirring musical performances, each act captivated the audience and transported us to the heartland of India.

Bihar…Bihar…Bihar….that sound is still going in my mind..Yes, the mesmerizing and outstanding  performance was done by Terry Gajraj, the Guyanese singer famously known as Guyana Baboo. People came to dance floor and enjoyed like anything.

Culinary Delights:

No festival is complete without indulging in mouthwatering delicacies, and the Holi celebration organized by BJANA was no exception. From delectable sweets like Malpuaa , Kheer, Gulab-jamun and jalebis to savory snacks like Pani-puri and chaats, the array of culinary delights left our taste buds tingling with delight. The aroma of traditional Indian cuisine filled the air, adding to the festive ambiance and bringing back cherished memories of home-cooked meals. My stomach was filled with snacks only and later I realized that delicious mutton was also available. Couldn’t stopped myself to taste it at last. I must say, arranging these many verity foods for more than 1000 people is not an easy task for the organizing committee.

Community Bonding:

Beyond the colors and festivities, what truly made the Holi celebration special was the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the event. It was heartwarming to see people from different walks of life coming together to celebrate a shared heritage and culture. Whether it was exchanging hugs and laughter or engaging in friendly banter over a plate of sweets, the bonds forged during the celebration were truly precious. The feeling of being reunited with old friends, especially during such a festive occasion, is truly special and heartwarming. I met my Netarhat school senior Varun Jee (93 Batch), friend from JEE preparation time (Nandan Jee) and college mate (Vaibhav) during the Holi celebration which speaks volumes about the strength of our friendship.

Takeaways and Reflections:

I will be back to Japan on this 23rd March. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture, even while being thousands of miles away from home. The event served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations to cherish. I am so thankful to Jawahar Jee (Co-founder NOBA GSR & a great mentor to me) Alok Jee (President, Bihar Foundation East Coast USA), Sanjeev Jee (President, BJANA) for giving me this homely environment here in America. Meeting Avinash Gupta Jee (President, FIA) during the event was also a truly memorable and auspicious moment for me. Receiving his blessings (ashirvad) adds an extra layer of significance to the occasion, filling it with positivity.

In conclusion, the Holi celebration organized by the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America was a testament to the enduring spirit of unity, diversity, and inclusivity. It brought together people from all walks of life to celebrate a festival that transcends boundaries and spreads joy and happiness to all. As I reflect on the fond memories created during the event, I am filled with a renewed sense of pride in my cultural roots and a deep appreciation for the bonds that unite us as a global Bihari community.

I am wishing all the members of the Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) family the very best for the monumental milestone of the 50th year celebration preparations, slated for 2025!

Cheers to BJANA’s golden jubilee!

Vikash Ranjan

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