TEEJ Mahotsav 2025

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:16]Welcome and I must say that of course we are today going to having a special conversation where we celebrate culture, creativity and community through the beautiful festival of peach.

[00:00:29]And I have some truly inspiring guests who are keeping Rajasthani culture alive and of course vibrant in the Tri-State area.

[00:00:38]And you know, if you ask me there is no need of introduction for them. You all probably know all of them. And the celebration after that automatically you know it's going to that is what we get and she of course is the cultural powerhouse who has not just preserved Rajasthani heritage in the diaspora but turned it into a grand living celebration of pride whether it's identity and joy and you all know she is the founder of Roar which is Rajasthani Organization of American Residents. You can you know you Roar what I know you have to remember exactly what it is called.

[00:01:23]And joining her is 2025 key multi-talented If you ask me about her she is so cute.

[00:01:32]She is the cutest soul I have ever seen.

[00:01:35]She is the peach queen Bhavna Nigam who is a fashion stylist and entrepreneur and of course a proud owner of Bhavna's Exclusive and she is someone who brings the soul of Rajasthan whether Rajasthan Rajasthan Rajasthan brings it beautifully into her fashion.

[00:01:57]And we also have beautiful Payal Sharma who is also Mrs. Rajasthan International 2025. She, I would say, is a perfect blend of tradition and ambition, you know, representing grace with strength.

[00:02:15]And today they are here and I'm really, really excited for all of them and they will be talking about Teej festival. So, first of all, I want to welcome all the three beautiful ladies to ITV Gold.

[00:02:27]Thank you so much, Pia.

[00:02:30]Yes, and thank you so much to ITV Gold for inviting us here and having this conversation. We're going to be talking about Teej, obviously. Absolutely. And you know, I have to say you all three are looking gorgeous, especially don't know, you know, Indian saris, made beautiful colors and vibrant colors. You guys are looking gorgeous. Thank you.

[00:02:52]So, Tarang, of course, I'm going to start with you and remind everyone, you know, after you rule organization have work here and work mission here. So, let's talk about that. Okay, as you all know that this organization has been found 20 years back, almost 23 years actually, I should say. And we have been, you know, raising the flag and telling everybody about where we belong to, what are our roots, and we always try to tell about the culture and the how we can preserve our culture and how our people, like, you know, the next generation is going to know about the culture also and how they can, you know, take the flag forward also. So, main main motive of this organization is just to, you know, spread the word about our culture, our representation that we are Indians and what is our heritage, what are our roots, and where we belong to.

[00:03:54]Because it's very important PR.

[00:03:58]So, that we can get all the color and all the color and all the color.

[00:04:06]What we want to also do and we want also want to get all the money to the next generation or to get all the money to the next generation left India and wants to connect with our you know our traditions and festivals and our things back in India. So, this is a kind of a platform where they can just come, be part of it, and enjoy all the festivities and about the culture as well. Absolutely. And also I want to congratulate you because this is going to be the 10th year. Yes, this is going to be the 10th year here in New Jersey.

[00:04:38]Absolutely. So, tell me any new idea for our from our road team of course >> Yes. to our Indian diaspora which will make them truly feel like home away from home while you feeling that I get They call PR I don't know who he is going to be the John F. Kennedy India and I am here to make my because that is some one place I don't know what I am doing space anybody even all the Americans anybody outside India wherever in on in the whole world whoever goes to India mission of that I get that they have to go and see Rajasthan but what happened not everybody can go there right so we are bringing Rajasthan here in the heart of New Jersey in the heart of Indian place which is Edison and we want to showcase that colorful vibrant Rajasthan and we are bringing everything the whole essence of Rajasthan here to tell them what at least they are able to see what Rajasthan is all about and then they can just make their mood you know to go there and see so this is what we are trying to do here we want to just spread the word, tell them about what we are, what the culture, the festivities, the colorful dresses, the amazing delicious food, and the spread what we give. You know, 50-60 varieties I'm going to take you all to Rajasthan and we'll go to see numerous number of varieties what they can just go and relish there. So, there are multiple things which we want to tell them and even we call oont. Oont like camel, you know. We we bring it here because it's a desert you know animal. So, we used to bring it here so the people get to have a feel of Rajasthan. So, this is what we want to do, you know. And we want everybody to come and see and get a feel of that. You know, before I ask question to these pretty ladies, I want you to talk about I know your international pageant which has probably grown by leaps and bounds over the years. I think this is your third or fourth year fourth year in the pageant. So, talk a little bit about that. So, pageant has just come into my mind because everybody is doing a pageant, you know. Everybody has a different kind of pageant and their thought process is different. Our thought process to bring this pageant is like just showing the culture. You know, anyhow our organization is more into you know representing the culture. So, this is what we also wanted to do. We want to show that brain and beauty goes hand in hand and you know and our culture is also there because if the culture is incorporated into your mind into your you you glow more. So, this is what we want to show and we want to stick to our culture and this is how we want to represent you know international Rajasthan pageant. Anyhow, it's one of you know a unique kind of pageant where you come and showcase your culture and your traditions plus background and as we have a Miss International Rajasthan winner this year and she's a teach queen. You can talk about them and you can talk to them and you will get to know what exactly they are and what they do. Absolutely. You know, I mean my definitely Bhavna and Pyle about you because I want to know from them our key experience and you know, what was that thing that stood out most to you when you decided to okay how many people you know pageant may participate and we want to do this.

[00:08:10]So, I want to start with you Bhavna.

[00:08:12]So, I agree whatever Tarang said about the roar and the to bring the Rajasthan here in US.

[00:08:20]First of all, like hats off to her.

[00:08:22]Really commendable job and the team entire team is very energetic and the whole like how they set up things and how the things are executed is like one of a kind. I'm really happy to be a part of the road team.

[00:08:36]So, the pageant like when she she asked me, I was like I've never participated in pageant. So, many of what what new things to me. I have I was not too sure that am I the right person to participate and then she said it's just about Bhavna it's just about the culture. Think about that and how much you love that and and that's true. I I really like my Indian culture and Rajasthan is one of the part like I really love the the colors and how vibrant everything is over there.

[00:09:06]So, so I thought yeah, that's that's that's my like my chance to actually represent Rajasthan. It's not that I want to show something like okay, I have a perfect body or I have a perfect this thing. I want to be a pageant. I know that the the vision behind this was really different. It was like to show people like okay, you you can still be a part of pageant show your culture. So, show your beauty your inner beauty like the how how you feel like a woman. So, that thing really touches me and I I really wanted to participate in that and that's how I I accepted this. Okay, I want to be a part of the pageant. I really love As you said that's the inner beauty and I have to say that as much as I know you I think you probably were the perfect candidate because you are very beautiful inside. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[00:09:56]>> Thank you so much. I can echo that.

[00:09:58]>> [laughter] >> It really means a lot because see, you know the phrase beauty lies in the eyes of beholder. You all are beautiful. Like person who is beautiful will always find beauty in others. That's my thing. Thank you and please go ahead Pria. Well, thank you Pria. I think as rightly mentioned by Taranga and Bhavna, you know, it was a wonderful experience and the way, you know, the pageant was crafted is it was much more than the outer beauty of a woman. I think it gave us a platform to showcase our talent beyond beauty, beyond I would say beyond just the, you know, beyond just the culture. It was much more how how gracefully and how inspiring, you know, we can be at the same time be connected to our roots. So, that was really wonderful experience. The whole, you know, the the whole the the way it was organized, the training was done and you know, how it was, you know, it was taught to us that it would be the first time that you will be, you know, in front of, you know, such a big stage and representing your culture and you know, how how you can bring more to the table and the confidence that was built in us.

[00:11:19]That was really great and I would I think cherish this experience throughout my life.

[00:11:24]You know, and you know, you're talking about this like, you know, train you and stuff like that and I know Taranga she whenever she has a especially the uh you know, events.

[00:11:34]>> Yeah. She definitely has like somebody who trains the pageant to make sure it's the right kind of walk, it's this, it's that. And I I know that she >> a 3 days, 3 or 4 days like rigorous training for all the all the participants, which we try to uh you know, do and bring the real what uh you know, confidence from from within within themselves, you know? And that really makes a very big difference, PR, because uh once you get trained, even though you know a lot of things, but still there are a lot of things which you miss, and the other person can see that well by this because trainer has some that kind of you know, ability to bring the best out of yourself. So, that's how it really plays a very big role, even though everybody is like working, going to the conferences, talking everywhere, but representing yourself on such a kind of a stage where you have to be you in a different way all together, not in the way of like, you know, speaking about your um you know, about your work or about your food or something like that, but as a whole, the whole package you have to bring together at one particular stage, and you have to represent that. It becomes little [clears throat] difficult for everyone. So, training helps them to bring out the best what they are. And I think that helped actually. That really helped them. That that that was the best time actually for us to enjoy to know each other, make new friends. I enjoyed the training period more than the >> [laughter] >> Yeah, like you enjoy you enjoy more than the show. There is dances, there is like a lot of a lot of things.

[00:13:11]So, I really look forward to that. And the confidence. Confidence. Confidence that we got from, you know, from learning from the best, it I think we'll carry that throughout the life.

[00:13:20]>> Yes, absolutely. Absolutely.

[00:13:22]So, so what do you have like this year?

[00:13:24]Like how How people are there participating in the pageant, and what do you have? Uh yes, still people are registering for it and we really want everybody to come come and you know register for the teach international teach pageant sorry international Rajasthani pageant and they can go to our website that is rorusa.com. They can go and register there and we have lot of like participants coming this year and we are really really looking forward to have a house full for that. So you know since we are talking about the pageant and of course I think I would love to hear from Bhavna and Payal especially for the youngsters. You know what kind of message would you want to give them to join the teach celebrations and be a part of it.

[00:14:10]Of course like youngsters should come forward and just they have to like experience this not because it's a pageant and don't come with that vision of like okay you are in a competition or something. Come like enjoy like see what your culture is like giving you like what they're offering you there and what you can contribute from your side to your culture. This is very important thing these days to put in our like new generation has to learn this. Like they are like so much into sometimes I think so much into competition and like beauty and all that. It's there your beauty will shine once you have that feeling.

[00:14:50]Once you feel from within it will shine.

[00:14:52]Don't worry about like who is with you like what you have to you don't have to you just be yourself enjoying your own skin and that shows. That will you will be I'm telling you you will be the winner. People are not fools they are sitting there the audience audience knows everything. You don't have to push yourself hard. Just just just be yourself. That's what I did. I never did I never did anything in my life nothing pageant but I know that once I get into this I will be what I am. I don't want any impression know, I I have to say that for you, Palna. I just >> [laughter] >> These are the things I love about you.

[00:15:28]Very simple things in life which people forget. Yes. Yes. I I do love them. When you say things like that, it's like it's amazing. Yes. This is Palna. You know, I know Palna from last 15 years and she has been like this throughout.

[00:15:42]>> that's [laughter] what connected you and now see When I When I asked her and she was like, "Oh, I'm just a little scared." But I said, "Do it, Palna. This is you. You You are representing your culture. You have to do it." Yes. Yes. Don't be somebody else. Yeah. Yeah. I cannot like I just I said whatever I have, I'll wear that.

[00:16:01]I'll try to like I try to bring confidence more than like competition. I try to Okay, what all I have, this is my time. I have to bring all that out. You never know who you are inspiring, who in the audience is sitting and getting inspired by you. If one woman get inspired, my job is done. I think your job is done. I'm inspired. [laughter] I I I WILL say like more and more women who are sitting home and they think that no, they are not worth it. No, you don't know what you have inside. You bring it.

[00:16:29]Come out. Come to these pageants. She's offering you and you will you will you you you don't know your life will be changed after that. Absolutely.

[00:16:37]>> be a changed person. Absolutely. So, from Palna, I also want to hear, you know, what do you want to How do you want to tell the youngsters out there, "Hey, come on and join us." You know, it will be something nice to join. Go ahead. Uh I think we are in today's time it's really important that our, you know, kids stay connected to their roots, especially being so far from our land. And uh you know, these kind of events, these organizations like Tarang is heading, these pageants, they help us do that.

[00:17:05]They keep you surrounded with the roots.

[00:17:07]They teach the kids that, you know, um this is the culture that you need to cherish and it is so vast and so rich that uh you know, you it's very important that they have complete knowledge about it. And I would say as far as the pageants are concerned, I I really encourage all the girls, you know, youngsters to join this. Again, as Bhavna rightly mentioned, it's not only about you know, participating. It's not only about being competitive with each other.

[00:17:37]It's also about embracing the culture where you come from. And this platform is not only going to you know, give you give you the experience of the culture. It also going to give you the experience how you can showcase your talent within your society, within your community. Be comfortable within your own people. And that, you know, that will take you further. Wonderful. Now, again, I want to come back to you quickly. I definitely want to ask you, Tarang, you know, this is such a huge event, you know, Yes. and you are trying to organize for a large community.

[00:18:17]>> Yes. I want to know from you, is it like challenges? Do you think there are more challenges or more blessings in this event? Everything whatever you do in your life comes with the challenges. And you know, the best person if you want to succeed, you just have to overcome all the challenges.

[00:18:36]Ek to pehli cheez you jaati hai ki that you have to you wo hota hai na to say ek horse hota hai that his target is just to run, you know? You just put the flap on the sides of your eyes. You don't want to see what what is happening around you. When you know what is your target, you don't have to see what is happening and what people are saying. You know, you just have to focus on your target and go. And this is what I do. I keep seeing everybody here and there, but you know, it's not like that I will focus on what people are saying. I just focus My focus is my target. And I just try to overcome all the challenges and this year also hopefully I will succeed in that and will do something very amazing. This is our 10th year PR and I want to really make it memorable for each and everyone who will come and join these moments of this year.

[00:19:27]>> And फटाफट I want you to tell our listeners, our viewers basically about this Teej event in fact I do have the fire right here.

[00:19:37]>> Yes. Show it to them but still I want you to talk about it. Okay, so Teej Mahotsav is happening. This is the 10th annual Teej Mahotsav and it is happening on the 31st of July and in Foods Edison.

[00:19:49]That's the Royal Albert Palace and it will start at 4:00 but before 4:00 we will be having a matrimonial session also which is going to start at 2:00. So people who wants to look out for for themselves or for their kids, they can just go and register at roadusa.org and there is an option for the matrimonial.

[00:20:07]They can fill the form there, okay? So this is one section. This second section will start at 4:00 where people will come do the networking, they'll go and have some snacks at the time and then 5:30 the procession will start and we have a camel that's what I just told you. The camel is coming then there will be a big huge Teej Mata procession with the band Baja just like in India Barat comes here same exactly. We are doing something different from last year. So we going to be having that and once that will get over we'll go inside we'll be calling everybody for the diya lighting and then there is there is a particular section which will be on happening on the stage. So this year last year we had done Sindoor act because we want to tell people also that you know our culture and our women are so strong that they can do anything in their life. So we had just kept the topic last year that was Sindoor topic and this year again there is something very interesting and people should come and see and how powerful the performances are going to happen on this stage. So, something is coming there and apart from that there will be a concert in the in the last section of the uh you know, evening. So, concert will happen and then before that there are multiple Yes, there is. I don't want to disclose it till the time you know, everything goes on papers and everything. But yes, somebody very good is coming and that person is going to perform for all the people and will enter make you entertain also. So, that is that is going to happen. Apart from that there are ample of food which we will be you know, serving as usual every year we do that.

[00:21:41]And 50-60 varieties of the matter of money and this year again it will be there apart from the Rajasthani also Rajasthani the whole guy can also allow me to put it all over the world cuisines we have tried and it will be only the matter of India and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the matter of money and the That is happening and there are a few delegates who are also going to be there. So, that will be also there and anyhow we all are going to have a very good shopping from all the vendors who are showcasing their you know, things there and their products. So, there are multiple things happening on the same day actually. So, I have a very very big list and it's going to take a lot of time to tell.

[00:22:30]Absolutely. [laughter] I'm sure you know, people who have been there before they actually know what happens and every year you know, she tries to make it bigger and better.

[00:22:39]>> Yes, so definitely there are going to be a lot of surprises, a lot of different things you know, as you are talking about. So, last one I all from all three of you I want the answer. I know you look to be passionate and miss but I want to ask I just need a one word. If you have to describe Teach Mahotsav in one word, what would that be? Bhavna.

[00:23:02]Um Um culture Okay. What about me?

[00:23:11]It's my heart and soul and I really okay.

[00:23:20]This is that's how many there's so much to say you know one word can you I will say Okay. Oh my God, this is the stupidest thing.

[00:23:37]Wait, you already had it in my mind as soon as you asked it's family for me. It's family.

[00:23:42]It's nothing more than that. Everyone there feels like a family. It's like a big family gathering.

[00:23:47]Yeah, for me it will be heart and soul, you know, that that's that's I'll just say one word but I'll say soul.

[00:23:56]That's a soul because without your passion, without without the thing if your heart doesn't go there, you are not going to give your 100% and I try to give my 100% to it. So it's like it's a soul connection, you know, kind of thing. Yeah.

[00:24:11]So I would like to wish all three of you all the best and looking forward to seeing all of you there and thank you so much for coming. Thank you so much PR.

[00:24:21]Thank you so much ITV Gold for you know calling us here and and all the viewers on ITV Gold. Please be there on the 31st of July at Royal Albert Palace for 10th annual Peach Mahotsav. See you all there. And the message to all the women come participate in the pageant, please.

[00:24:41]Yeah. You will remember all your life.

[00:24:45]Do you have anything to say? I think my message is the same. Come and experience this. It's once in a lifetime experience. Please do come and be a part of it. Yeah. All right. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.