NABC 2025 to celebrate Bengali culture with performances

The North American Bengali Conference (NABC), a long-running cultural event celebrating Bengali heritage, is returning to Toronto this summer after more than a decade.

Scenes from a Bengali cultural event in the GTA

The 45th edition of the annual conference will take place July 4 to 6 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. It will feature a mix of musical performances, literary discussions, business forums and cultural showcases, drawing thousands from across North America and abroad. Organized by Toronto Kalibari, Canada, in association with the Cultural Association of Bengal, this year’s event marks the first time NABC is being held in Toronto since 2013. “We’re excited to bring this experience back to Toronto,” said Jaidev Sarkar, chair of NABC 2025. “Our vision is to create a space where the depth and diversity of Bengali culture can be experienced by all—whether you’re part of the diaspora or someone exploring it for the first time.”

A space for celebration and connection

Founded in 1981, the NABC has grown into a flagship cultural event for the Bengali diaspora from both India and Bangladesh. It has typically been hosted in major cities across the U.S. and Canada, barring interruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s conference is expected to include high-profile performances by musicians and actors from South Asia, alongside seminars on literature, mental health, religion and social issues. A singing competition modelled after the “Idol” format will offer young and emerging performers a chance to train and compete before a live audience and celebrity judges.

Panels and workshops will explore contemporary topics such as entrepreneurship and investment, with a dedicated Business Forum that will offer a sneak peek into today’s business landscape in India. One can learn about investment opportunities and explore how entrepreneurs can contribute to India’s development and give back to their roots. If you are looking for strategic tips and resources for building wealth, you won’t be disappointed, either. Film screenings, theatre productions and alumni reunions are also part of the three-day program.

A growing community

Bengalis—an ethnolinguistic group from eastern India and Bangladesh—form a growing part of the Greater Toronto Area’s immigrant population. Bengali is among the top 15 immigrant languages spoken in the region, contributing to the area’s cultural and linguistic diversity. “The Bengali community has always valued the arts, intellectual exchange and cultural pride,” said Sarkar. “Events like this allow us to share that spirit with the broader Canadian society.”

The conference is open to the public, and organizers say it offers something for everyone, from cultural programming and networking to authentic Bengali food and shopping.

Event details: