About Us

We are a close knit group of Bengalis in Gainesville. This community was established in the year 2010 when the Bengalis residing in the city joined their hands to give a formal structure to our community. Our major goal is to keep alive the Bengali culture in this town and nurture the heritage of our community in the state of Florida.

There are more than a hundred Bengali international students who attend the University of Florida to pursue their education. These students are mainly from the Indian state of West Bengal. GNVBNG provides a home base for them and supports them socially during their stay here. They participate actively in all the activities of GNVBNG including its biggest event which is the Durga Puja. Other students from the neighboring country of Bangladesh who speak the same Bangla language also associate with GNVBNG in certain social and cultural activities.

All year round we organize different kinds of activities which bridge the gap from our origin and make us attuned to the chords of Bengali culture. The cultural activities serve as a major channel in preserving the Bengali heritage through various musical and dance programmes, dramas, poetry and various other creative works. This serve as a platform to showcase the talent hidden inside the members of this community.

Our Major Events

Fresher's Welcome (September)

The community plays an important role in welcoming the new students in Gainesville. This event introduces the newcomers to this existing society and its members. The members join their hands to help the new students get settled in this Gainesville area.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival, primarily celebrated in Bengal and eastern India, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over evil. It spans five days and features grand worship, rituals, and festivities. While most prominent in eastern India, it is also observed in other parts of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and by Bengali communities abroad, including in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Australia. The festival blends religious worship with cultural and social events, serving as a significant occasion for Bengalis worldwide to celebrate and promote their traditions.

Saraswati Puja

Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts and science. Nevertheless this event has attracted a wide celebration in Bengal. The community in Gainesville is active in organizing this event every year to celebrate the spirit of this festival.

Poila Boishak