AIKATAAN

Light-n-Joy Fest 2026

Saturday, November 14, 2026 (3:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Ann Arbor Community Church (2275 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI)

    Aikataan Nonprofit Corporation is a vibrant socio-cultural nonprofit organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2025, our mission is to foster meaningful community engagement by celebrating the music, arts, language, and heritage of India, while creating bridges with cultures from around the world.At Aikataan, we honor our Indian roots while embracing the richness of global diversity. Through a variety of cultural events and community gatherings, we strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where individuals and families from all backgrounds can connect, share, and celebrate together.Join us as we come together to honor heritage, bridge cultures, and build a lasting, connected community.Leadership Team:
    Mrinal K. Sarkar (President)
    Swati Bhattacharyya (Secretary)
    Nilotpal Bhattacharyya (Treasurer)

    UPCOMING EVENT

    Light-n-Joy Fest 2026
    Saturday, November 14, 2026 (3:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
    Ann Arbor Community Church (2275 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104)

    PAST EVENTS

    BENGALI NEW YEAR 1431 & CELEBRATION OF RABINDRA NAZRUL JAYANTI; MAY 11, 2024 (SATURDAY)

    BANI BANDANA 2025
    FEBRUARY 1, 2025 (SATURDAY)

    BANI BANDANA 2026
    JANUARY 24, 2026 (SATURDAY)

    SUMMER FUN FEST 2024
    JULY 14, 2024 (SUNDAY)

    SUMMER FUN FEST 2025
    JULY 19, 2025 (SATURDAY)

    SUMMER FUN FEST 2026
    JUNE 27, 2026 (SATURDAY)

    LIGHT AND JOY FESTIVAL
    NOVEMBER 16, 2024 (SATURDAY)

    LIGHT AND JOY FESTIVAL
    NOVEMBER 15, 2025 (SATURDAY)

    Welcome to Sahoj paath (সহজপাঠ)Come learn, connect, and celebrate Bengali language and culture with us! Sahojpath, AIKATAAN’s volunteer-driven Bengali Language School, welcomes learners of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are taking your first steps in Bengali or looking to strengthen your connection with the language and culture, we would be delighted to have you join our growing community.

    Bengali (Bangla) is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, with a rich literary, artistic, and cultural heritage. Spoken primarily in West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh, it connects generations through stories, poetry, music, traditions, festivals, and shared identity.Sahoj paath, the Bengali Language and Cultural School of AIKATAAN, helps the next generation discover and stay connected with this heritage. We make learning Bengali engaging, accessible, and enjoyable through age-appropriate instruction in speaking, reading, and writing, along with Bengali literature, music, arts, festivals, history, and traditions. Sahoj paath also offers a welcoming space for children to build friendships, participate in community activities, and develop a sense of belonging.Our vision is to nurture a generation that can communicate in Bengali, appreciate its culture, and proudly carry it forward.
    Sahoj paath welcomes all families and learners interested in discovering and celebrating Bengali heritage.

    Class Schedule
    Every Sunday at 3:00 p.m.    Location
    Ann Arbor District Library
    Ann Arbor, MI    Interested in joining?
    Email us at [email protected] for more information.

    Meet Our Volunteer TeachersSahojpath is made possible by our dedicated volunteer teachers, who help learners develop their Bengali language skills and appreciation for Bengali culture.Kaushik Banerjee
    Supriya Das
    Shayanki Lahiri
    Saikat Chakraborty
    Aritra Gupta
    Nilotpal Bhattacharyya    We are grateful to our teachers for helping build a welcoming and engaging learning environment for the Sahojpath community.

    Become a valued member of AIKATAAN and join us in celebrating unity through culture, creativity, and community engagement.Membership Fee:
    Membership requires an annual fee of just $20 per adult.    Payment Options:
    Zelle ID: [email protected]
    Cash or Check: Payable to AIKATAAN NONPROFIT CORPORATION    Member Benefits:
    As a member of AIKATAAN, you will have the opportunity to:    1. Participate in Annual General Body Meetings
    2. Vote on key organizational matters
    3. Nominate and elect members to the Executive Committee
    4. Be actively involved in planning and organizing events throughout the year
    5. Enjoy discounted registration fees for AIKATAAN events

    DONATION

    Supporting AIKATAAN means directly contributing to a vibrant, inclusive cultural community in Ann Arbor. Your donation empowers us to host dynamic events that celebrate not only the music, arts, language, and heritage of India, but also create meaningful connections between cultures from around the world. Every contribution helps us foster a welcoming, intergenerational environment where diverse traditions are honored and shared, and where individuals and families from all backgrounds feel a strong sense of belonging. Join us in building a more connected by making a donation today.

    DONATE NOW

    Donation can be made via
    1. Zelle: [email protected]
    2. Cash or check payable to AIKATAAN NONPROFIT CORPORATION

    For any queries, contact us at
    [email protected]
    or write message below.