On Sunday March 30th2024, the Gangaur Festival along with Navratri was celebrated at Rashi and Naval Bajaj’s residence in Brampton. Similar to last few year this year the Gangaur Puja was also dedicated to the “Breast Cancer Awareness” education in memory of their two beloved friends, who lost their lives at a very young age to Cancer. On this occasion, funds were raised for Breast Cancer Research, whereby the entire collection will be donated to William Osler Foundation. During the event also the guests were continuous reminded By Mrs. Bajaj to donate for this noble. His Worship Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown, Minister of Energy & Mines Hon. Stephen Leece, Minister of Women’s Social and Economic opportunity Hon. Charmaine Willaims, Associate Attorney General Minister Hon. Michael Tibollo, Minister of Housing Hon. Nina Tangri, MPP Amarjot Sandhu also graced the occasion. Many key community leaders, temple heads were in presence. More than 300 people attended this event. All the ladies were dressed up in Indian attires such as lehenga-cholis or sarees and men were dressed in kurta pajamas or Rajasthani outfits.
Gangaur festival is one of the most significant festivals of people of Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and is observed on the third day of the Hindu calendar’s Chaitra month. The term “Gangaur” consists of two words: Gan and Gauri. Gan refers to Lord Shiv ji, and Gauri refers to Goddess Parvati ji. This festival is celebrated by married women with great zeal and devotion by praying to Goddess Parvati ji to bless them and their family, and to keep the marital harmony. In addition, unmarried girls partake in hopes of being blessed
with a good husband. The festival commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 16 days. For a newly wedded girl, it is binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival that succeeds her marriage. Even unmarried girls fast for the full period of the 18 days and eat only one meal a day. Festivity consummates on 3rd day of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Month. Fairs (Gangaur Melas) are held throughout the 18-day period. Numerous folklores are associated with Gangaur which makes this festival deeply ingrained into the hearts of Rajasthan, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal & Gujarat.
Rashi and Naval Bajaj had opened their house for people not only from Rajasthan, but also from other Indian states as well. The ambiance was enchanting with colorful Indian clothes and traditional Rajasthani decorations using items such as handmade handi crafts, decorative umbrellas, floral festoon borders or Bandanwaar, and many other artifacts.
First, Rashi Bajaj introduced all the key dignitaries Mayor Brown, all Minsters representing different Portfolio’s Hon, Leece, Hon, Tibollo, Hon. Tangri, Hon Charamine, MPP Amarjot, Mayor brown mentioned was very happy to be a part of the celebration and said that she was very pleased to see how Indians are trying to preserve their heritage and culture away from India. He congratulated Bajaj family to organize such a big event. . Also applauded Rashi for tying up this festivity with raising funds for William Osler foundation for Cancer Research and which is most needed at present. He mentioned he has known the family now close to 2 decades and very impressed and thank ful for what they do from last 2 decades to give back to community. He is proud that Bajaj family are resident of Brampton.
Hon. Charamine addressing the celebration congratulated Bajaj family for the work they do. Also appreciated Rashi Bajaj and her Family for continuous work they do in the society and especially dedicating this celebration to Breast Cancer Awareness and raising funds for William Osler Foundation.
MPP Amarjot Sandhu also applauded Bajaj family for their excellent work in community and organizing such an event which is showcasing the traditions and culture and passing to next generation.
Hon. Stephen Lecce appreciated Bajaj family for what they do for Ontario and for Society , he spend his time understanding the culture form the kids and was impressed by the way the traditions were carried out
Hon. Nina Tangri ji, also appreciated Rashi for what she does for society and Ontario at large, and applauded her for all the efforts including raising funds for William Osler foundation
Hon. Tibollo mentioned he is astonished the way the culture is preserved and the way Bajaj family steps up to support different causes and gives back to the community.
Then Mrs. Bajaj gave a brief regarding Gangaur festival, and also mentioned about the role overall Indo-Canadian diaspora has been playing in keeping the cultural values from our origin mother land and working hard to build strong foundation in our Karma Bhoomi Canada. We all are blessed that we live in most beautiful county in World and blessed to celebrate different festivities throughout the year from around the globe as Canada is a country with full of diversities. Rashi thanked her family for working shoulder to shoulder to make this event successful and carry forward her passion every year ahead.
She then introduced a few members of the Cancer Warriors Canada Foundation, who are cancer survivors themselves, and invited them to
share a few words about their organization and their journey. They talked about their journey and battle with cancer. Also, Rashi Bajaj urged everyone to donate generously for the noble cause of Research for Breast Cancer, all the funds collected will be 100% donated to William Osler Foundation. . On fund raising it was a good start with.international President of Brahmrishi Ashram Mr. Sampat Poddar, Chairman of Hindu Sabha Temple Mr. Rakesh Goenka, Community Leader Mr. Alok goel donated $5000, speaking on this event Mr. Sampat Poddar & Rakesh Goenka mentioned that they were proud to associate with such a noble cause. Also Community leader Mr. Norton Kothari was present.
After an emotional yet informative session on breast cancer, the Gangaur pooja began with full rituals , traditions, culture, followed by mouthwatering, homemade Rajasthani food including very popular Dal Bati-Choorma and Gatte ki subzi, and dessert items like Paan ki kulfi and Moong-dal Halwa. And then the fun started with many ladies dancing in traditional manner and enjoyed the festivities.
Overall, it was a well-organized event, and all the attendees were very pleased to attend. In spite of challenging weather condition, the warmth, celebration, cause was like a cherry on top that made the celebration more enjoyable and pleasurable!
At the end Rashi Bajaj thanked everyone for joining & making this event a grand success.
