Welcome to the India Association of Kalamazoo (IAK) web site. IAK is a community organization for the people of South West Michigan who trace their cultural heritage to India or an interested in participating in the cultural and social activities of the association.

Activities of the Association:

The association organizes events around the year to bring the community members together. Here are some of the annual events organized by IAK.

SPRING FESTIVAL: In March, we celebrate the Spring festival (holi, ugadi) with a food festival and cultural program. Stalls with food from different parts of India are set up by interested families providing the members an opportunity to enjoy the 'mela' and break out of the winter blues.

SUMMER SPORTS FESTIVAL: In Summer, IAK typically organizes a sports festival. Tournaments in tennis, badminton, table tennis, chess, etc. are conducted for men, women and children. The tournament brings the community together throughout the summer months. The winners in each event are given trophies during the Diwali celebration.

COMMUNITY PICNIC: We also have a community picnic at one of the city parks during the summer months. This is a time for members of all ages to get together and enjoy each other's company.

MUSIC NITE: In early Fall, we usually bring a professional musical group to entertain the community with songs from India. This is also one of the well attended programs.

DIWALI CELEBRATION: In October-November, IAK organizes its biggest celebration - Diwali. For months, members, young and old, come together to prepare songs and dances for the event. IAk Diwali is usually two hours of scintillating dance and music from different parts of India. The program concludes with presentation of trophies to the winners of summer sports tournaments and kids who presented programs at the event.

NAVRATRI CELEBRATION: IAK celebration of Navratri is another favorite community celebration. We gather together in a school auditorium and dance the night away.

So we do have a full slate of events to keep us connected throughout the year. If you want to be a part of this vibrant and fun-loving community, we invite you to become a member of the association. To learn more about becoming a member, click here.

Publications

IAK communicates with its members through a variety of channels.

SAMACHAR: the quarterly newsletter of IAK is mailed out to the members. A PDF version of SAMACHAR, is available here. Please see the latest issue of Samachar. You can also check out the old issues of the newsletter.

IAK Website: You are here. If you want to announce any event or share any news with the community, we can post it here. Please email the item to Gracie Kayany.
Please note that any link to businesses given on this web site is for your convenience. India Association of Kalamazoo does not endorse any of the businesses who advertise on this site.

IAK Facebook page. Please become a fan of IAK Facebook page to receive news updates from members or post news about yourself.

Please feel free to email me any information you want published or any event announced on this site.

Gracie Kayany