Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Bengali Cultural Associations are organizations that bring together Bengali people who live outside India and have roots in the Indian state of West Bengal or the country of Bangladesh. These associations aim to preserve and promote Bengali culture, language, traditions, and values among its members and the broader community. In the United States, there are many NRI Bengali Cultural Associations, particularly in cities with significant Bengali populations, such as New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston. These associations organize cultural events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year, including Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Rabindra Jayanti. They also provide a platform for Bengali artists, musicians, and writers to showcase their talents and connect with the community.
The Bengali Evangelical Association (BEA) is a Christian organization that aims to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ among the Bengali-speaking people around the world. It was founded in 1984 by a group of Bengali Christians in New York City, USA, and has since grown into an international organization with branches in several countries. BEA is primarily focused on evangelism and discipleship, and it conducts various outreach programs such as Bible studies, prayer meetings, and evangelistic campaigns.
Saikat, as an organization, has grown through the first phase of adulthood-that is 30 years. There is a tale that, in early 1984, a couple of Bengali residents in San Diego thought of having a Saraswati puja but could not find an idol. They decided to worship the idol attached to the keychain of Joy. Kamalenduda was the priest for the puja in Dev’s house. It was thought that the idol should be immersed (“Visarjan”) in a teacup or in the kitchen sink so that Joy could retrieve his keychain later. This mini event marked the first inspiration for what will be coming.
Bengali Cultural Association of Arizona (BCAA) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to celebrate and promote Bengali culture in the greater Phoenix area. It also regularly engages with international, national and local charities in driving community services. BCAA’s Youth Group strives to promote the vibrant Bengali culture among the next generation and drives charitable work for noble causes. Arizona Bangla and Cultural school provides great opportunities for kids to learn Bengali language and culture. BCAA is als0 affiliated to the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) organization.
Milonee has been around for decades and has served the community of Colorado as a central platform to practice and promote Indian Culture, traditions, customs and culture along with engagement in charity work and volunteering activities including youth and kids participation. It all started with a small group of Bengali families living here in Colorado many many years ago. Today, it has evolved into a large community of varied age groups and backgrounds. We all share a common interest and love for our culture and traditions.
Prabasi is a Boston based ethnic Indian organization, established in 1981. Prabasi membership includes over 500 families of Indians and non-Indians alike but reaches several thousand Indians and non-Indians in the New England area. Prabasi exists as an Association of its Members. Prabasi’s motto is to celebrate and promote the Bengali and Indian religious and associated culture within its community. Prabasi is also involved in community service which includes Boston area soup kitchen, scholarship funds for deserving high school students, bone marrow donation drives, collecting clothes for Mother Teresa’s Home.
Bichitra, A Bengali Religious and Cultural Organization is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1974 that serves as the social and cultural front to the Bengalis of the Motown community. Bichitra has been fostering greater understanding of the Bengali culture, literature and its traditions through cultural events and Bengali language school. As this community grows, Bichitra is on to bigger and better things that continue to define the Bengali society.
