Jersey City, New Jersey, USA: The rich cultural traditions of Indore, Ujjain, and Mandu were the centerpiece of the "Malwa Mela"-themed gathering.
On September 14, the Friends of Madhya Pradesh New York–New Jersey (Friends of MPNYNJ) hosted their yearly picnic at Rosedale Park, attracting nearly 300 participants to enjoy a day of culture, food, and community spirit.
Vishal Harsh, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, attended the celebration and spent more than three hours engaging with families. He lauded the strong community ties and noted the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere of the event.
Deputy Consul General of India in New York, Vishal Harsh, participated in the event / Photo courtesy: Friends of MP NYNJ
Participants gathered for a group photograph, showcasing the community spirit at the annual Friends of Madhya Pradesh event / Photo courtesy: Friends of MP NYNJ
The “Malwa Mela” theme highlighted the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh cities such as Indore, Ujjain, and Mandu. The venue featured traditional photo booths and signage, while attendees wore name tags indicating their hometowns in Madhya Pradesh, allowing many to reconnect with old acquaintances. First-time guests received special tags to encourage mingling and conversation.
A standout feature of the picnic was the authentic Madhya Pradesh cuisine prepared on-site. The day kicked off with a breakfast featuring Indore specialties like Poha, Jalebi, and Saboo Dana Wada, followed by a celebratory lunch offering Poori, Shrikhand, and Halwa.
Authentic Madhya Pradesh dishes, including Poha, Jalebi, Saboo Dana Wada, Poori, Shrikhand, and Halwa, served freshly at the annual picnic / Photo courtesy: Friends of MP NYNJ
The event offered a variety of activities catering to all age groups, such as creative versions of antakshari and musical chairs. A father–child flameless cooking competition also drew widespread participation and was particularly well-received by attendees.
Since its inception in 2015, the picnic has become a hallmark event, with this year seeing full attendance and a waitlist of enthusiastic families. Entirely organized by volunteers, the picnic has evolved into an annual reunion for Madhya Pradesh families living in the U.S., promoting cultural pride and lasting connections.
