Durga Puja in Pennsylvania Philadelphia USA

Welcome to Pragati, the Bengali Association of the greater Philadelphia area!!!

More than thirty five years ago, in 1972, the Bengali Association of the Greater Philadelphia area was formed. It was named Pragati, and became the strand that held the 50 or so Bengalis that lived in this area, close together. It was a place to come together, to share common beliefs, backgrounds, stories, dreams and to forge a bond that would grow stronger with the years. Today their number has swelled to more than 1200 people.

Each year, we, the proud members of Pragati, celebrate Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Lakshmi Puja, and Saraswati Puja. We sponsor numerous Bengali singers, musicians, writers, and politicians as part of our cultural activities. Pragati has been actively helping people in distress through the donation of money, clothes, food, and medicine in USA and India. Through annual food drives we collect canned food from our members to contribute to a local Hospice. Toys are donated to the Children's Hospital and blankets are distributed to the homeless and needy during the Holidays.

We have come a long way to play a pivotal role both in our community and in the life of the city we have adopted, and we are proud of our achievements.

Pragati's Fall Festival program dates have been finalized. Please join us with your friends and family and enjoy these community events.

This time, we are bringing the famous Bangla band "Chandrabindoo"! It will be their first live performance organized by Pragati! Don't miss this opportunity to see how and why the Bangla Band has made such an impression in Bengal, India and abroad!

Program details for Fall Festival

DoshoBhuja (Durga) Festival: October 11 and 12, 2008

Venue: Indian Crest Junior High School 139 Harleysville Pike, Souderton, PA 1896 For any information, communication, or submission, please contact any of our EC members (see Pragati website for contact info) or send email to info@pragati.org Past Events and Activities The Indian American population is estimated to reach 1.36 million at the start of the millennium. Philadelphia metro area's population of Indian Americans is projected to be around 22,000. The Bengali (not to include Bangladeshi) population in Greater Philadelphia area is estimated to be a mere 1200. Thirty years ago, there were hardly 50 Bengalis in this same area, and among friends they used to celebrate New Year, Saraswati Puja, Picnic and Bijoya Dashami. In 1972, Pragati, the Bengali Association of the Greater Philadelphia area was formed by the Bengalis of this area, and it was incorporated as a not-for-profit association in 1977. Currently, Pragati has nearly 80 life members and over 200 regular members and friends. Some of the past events and activities of Pragati are highlighted below: General Body Meeting on Feb 22, 2003, Bangla School. Saraswati Puja on Feb 8th, 2003 in Penndale Middle School, Lansdale for further details visit: http://www.pragati.org