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The Evolution of the Bengali Community in Minnesota

The Bengalis who arrived in the Twin Cities before 1960 rarely stayed long enough to call Minnesota home. Most were students pursuing higher education. After a few years—whether they completed their degrees or not—they returned to India. At the time, settling down in Minnesota was simply not part of the plan.

But by the 1970s, the picture began to change. More and more Bengalis started laying down roots in the Twin Cities, gradually forming a community that could meet their social and cultural needs. Young students would go back to India, marry, and return with their spouses. Others found partners right here, blending cultures and building new lives together. Families grew—children were born on American soil—and with that growth came new stories. Some arrived with jobs, some brought along their families, siblings, even parents, offering them a glimpse of the American dream. The Bengali community was transforming rapidly and organically, and with its growth came a clear need for social and religious activities.

In 1971, the community came together to celebrate its first Saraswati Puja in a modest home gathering of about 20 young Bengalis—no children yet, just a handful of pioneers. Soon followed other cherished traditions like Bijoya Sammilani and Poila Boishakh. But organizing a Durga Puja, the crown jewel of Bengali festivals, took nearly a decade more. In 1980, that dream came to life. Around 60 to 70 Bengalis celebrated Durga Puja together, this time with children running around, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Another milestone followed in 1990—the birth of the Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM) and its first literary publication, Sannikat, meaning “coming near” in Bengali.

Starting something new is never without its challenges. The idea of forming an official association sparked considerable debate within the community. Some feared it would divide rather than unite the close-knit group. The proposal stirred disagreements, but the momentum of the community’s growth made it clear: the time had come.

On April 1, 1990, those who believed in an organized future called a meeting at the Hindu Mandir in Minneapolis. A majority of attendees voted in favor of forming an association—and thus, the Bengali Association of Minnesota (BAM) was officially born. It started with no financial assets, no constitution, and no membership fees—just a handful of passionate volunteers. A bank account was opened, marking BAM’s first step toward building a lasting institution.

By the year 2000, both the world and the Bengali community had become more complex. Children raised in Minnesota grew into young Americans, navigating dual identities and creating their own unique culture. Meanwhile, the first generation of Bengali immigrants matured into American adults—often without realizing how deeply they had embraced Western values. Newcomers from India brought with them a wide range of talents, interests, and fresh perspectives. Many arrived with professional degrees and jobs, bypassing the student route entirely. Some maintained strong connections with India, enriching the local community with ideas and traditions from back home.

As the community diversified and evolved, BAM continued to grow stronger—grounded in its values but open to change. A formal constitution was eventually written, solidifying the foundation of a thriving organization that continues to adapt to the ever-changing faces and stories of Minnesota’s Bengali diaspora.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life across the globe and physical interaction became nearly impossible, the Bengali community in Minnesota stood strong. Despite the isolation, this was a community that looked after one another. Through phone calls, video chats, virtual gatherings, and online cultural programs, they stayed connected and uplifted each other. In a time of uncertainty, loneliness, and fear, the spirit of togetherness remained unshaken—proving once again that BAM was not just an association, but a family.