EDISON, NJ (TIP): The Bihar Jharkhand Association of North America (BJANA) held its spectacular annual Diwali celebration on Oct 26th, 2024, in the ballroom of the Royal Albert’s Palace, New Jersey, USA. The event was attended by more than 700 community members from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware. The attendees got to enjoy cultural programs, exhibitions by sponsors, Indian festive food, and performance by Indian Idol fame singer Sonakshi Kar who came all the way from India just for this event.
This vibrant extravaganza featured an array of activities that showcased the rich cultural diversity of Bihar and Jharkhand. The event included captivating dance performances, melodious singing by children and adults from the community, and a poem recital. Attendees were also treated to engaging exhibitions by generous sponsors, heartfelt messages from distinguished guests, delectable Indian cuisine, and an energetic dance floor – thanks to singer Sonakshi Kar and her team who enthralled the audience with their melodious performances that kept everyone on their feet throughout the night.

The guest of honor, Mr. Upendra Chivukula, Commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, applauded the BJANA team for all their efforts and extended his warm wishes for a Happy Diwali to all. Ms. Pragya Singh, Consul (Community Affairs) also graced the event as a special guest. Furthermore, the Chief Minister of Bihar Mr. Nitish Kumar, Honorable Chief Minister of Jharkhand Mr. Hemant Soren, and the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha conveyed his heartfelt congratulations and Diwali wishes to the entire Bihar and Jharkhand community in the United States.

BJANA felicitated distinguished community leaders Mr. Alok Kumar – New Jersey, Dr. Surabhi Prasad – New Jersey, Mr. Chittaranjan Sahay – Connecticut, Mr. Lalit Jha – Press Trust of India, Washington DC, Ms. Rashmi Tewary and Mr. Kamlesh Tewary – Tewary Law Firm, New Jersey during this Diwali celebration. Recognition of this kind highlights BJANA’s commitment to acknowledging and celebrating those who have made a lasting impact on the community.

The event was honored by the attendance of BJANA’s founding members, Mr. Mrityunjay Singh and Mr. Rajendra Prasad. BJANA team proudly kicked off the planning for their 50th anniversary celebrations going to be held on May 24th and 25th, 2025, with the esteemed founding members and many past presidents of their organization.

Mr. Sanjeev Singh, the President of BJANA, took the stage to address the attendees. He emphasized BJANA’s ongoing fundraising efforts and charitable activities in the USA, Bihar, and Jharkhand, expressing gratitude to the community members for their active participation and unwavering support for BJANA’s philanthropic endeavors. He thanked all the committee members and volunteers for their efforts and hard work.