Dakshini 1.3

Dakshini Bengali Association of California, a nonprofit, nonpolitical, charitable, educational, and cultural organization was established in August 1985 in Torrance, California. It has been incorporated as a nonprofit tax-exempt organization since July 1986. The association is dedicated to promoting community, cultural, and social activities among individuals of Indian origin in the USA and fostering cross-cultural connections on behalf of the Bengali community.

In 2003, Dakshini organized the North American Bengali Conference (NABC 2003), hosting esteemed artists from India.

Dakshini hosts several significant events annually:

1. Saraswati Puja - a full-day celebration featuring children's programs and various cultural performances.
2. Bengali New Year celebration
3. Shravan Sandhya showcasing renowned artists from Calcutta like Geetashri Sandhya Mukherjee, Soumitra Chatterjee, and others.
4. Annual Picnic
5. Indian Independence Day celebration under FIA (Federation of Indo American Association) with fundraising activities through Dakshini Food Booth.
6. Durga Puja - a three-day festivity including prayers, meals, and cultural performances by distinguished artists from India.
7. Lakshmi Puja celebration with rituals, dinner, and cultural programs.
8. Holiday Party for children, youth, and families in December

Dakshini also operates a Bengali school aimed at teaching the language to children and imparting Eastern Indian culture and philosophy through study and engagement. With over 1000 families actively involved, Dakshini has witnessed substantial growth over its 27 years of existence. It remains committed to serving both the American populace and its roots in India with dedicated efforts into the future.

Dakshini provides a vibrant platform for immersing oneself in cultural facets from the Indian subcontinent. It offers opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals interested in culture, language, education, and volunteering—in turn fostering strong bonds among friends and family members.