The Cultural Association of Bengal (CAB), established in 1971, stands as a pioneering organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Bengali traditions in North America. As the visionary founder of the North American Bengali Conference (NABC)—the largest and most prestigious international Bengali cultural event since its inception in 1981—CAB has brought together generations of the diaspora across major cities in the USA and Canada.

 

Through its leadership, NABC has become a vibrant platform for celebrating classical and contemporary Bengali music, art, literature, theatre, and community values. CAB’s mission is deeply rooted in the preservation of centuries-old Indian Bengali culture while fostering a strong, connected, and thriving North American Bengali community.

 

History of the North American Bengali Conference (NABC)

 

NABC – A Platform of Pride

From standing ovations to unforgettable encores, these performances have become the lifeblood of the diaspora’s cultural memory. NABC remains committed to celebrating both heritage and innovation, offering a platform where tradition meets modernity.

 

 

The North American Bengali Conference (NABC) began in 1981 under the leadership of the Cultural Association of Bengal (CAB), with a mission to unite Bengalis living across North America and celebrate their shared cultural roots. The inaugural event was held in New York City, drawing together members of the Bengali diaspora for a weekend of cultural programs, discussions, and community bonding.

Over the decades, NABC has grown into the largest and most celebrated international Bengali cultural event outside of India and Bangladesh. Hosted annually in major cities across the USA and Canada—such as Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Baltimore—each conference showcases the vibrancy of Bengali culture through music concerts, dance performances, theatrical productions, literary forums, business summits, youth and alumni programs, and film festivals.

Through its 40+ year journey, NABC has become a powerful cultural bridge connecting generations, artists, and ideas across continents. It continues to feature iconic personalities from India and Bangladesh in film, music, literature, and the performing arts, while also empowering North American voices and talent in the global Bengali cultural narrative.

 

The NABC has proudly hosted an extraordinary line-up of musical legends and cultural icons, making it a premier destination for lovers of Bengali and Indian music. From the timeless melodies of Manna Dey, Aarti Mukhopadhyay, and , to the soulful renditions by Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik, and Iman Chakraborty, the stage has witnessed an incredible spectrum of talent. Classical and semi-classical greats like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Subha Mudgal, Ajoy Chakraborty, and Ronu Majumdar have brought depth and tradition to the event, while contemporary icons such as Shankar Mahadevan, Sonu Nigam, KK, Shaan, Kumar Sanu, Javed Ali, and Anupam Roy have electrified audiences. Artists like Subhamita, Lopamudra Mitra, Shrikanta Acharya, Raghab Chatterjee, Indranil Sen, Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Selim–Sulaiman, and have also left a lasting impact. Their collective presence has not only entertained but also elevated NABC’s mission to celebrate and preserve Bengali musical and cultural heritage across continents.

 

Icons Who Graced Our Stage

Over the years, NABC has proudly hosted legendary performers, rising stars, and visionary cultural icons:

Golden Voices & Musical Stars:

• Manna Dey
• Shreya Ghoshal
• Alka Yagnik
• KK
• Shaan
• Kumar Sanu
• Javed Ali
• Abhijeet Bhattacharya
• Shankar Mahadevan
• Selim–Sulaiman
• Sukhwinder Singh

Bengali Favorites & Contemporary Talents:

• Lopamudra Mitra
• Shrikanta Acharya
• Raghab Chatterjee
• Indranil Sen
• Iman Chakraborty
• Subhamita
• Anupam Roy

 Classical & Traditional Legends

• Pt. Birju Maharaj – Icon of Indian classical dance
• Ajoy Chakraborty – Master of Indian classical vocal music
• Subha Mudgal – Celebrated Hindustani classical vocalist
• Ronu Majumdar – Renowned flautist and fusion artist
• Taraknath Bhattacharya – Classical and folk rhythm exponent
• Tanmoy Bose – Percussionist blending tradition with innovation

 

 

 

Our Cultural Mission

At its core, NABC is more than an event—it is a movement. With music and performance as our soul, we strive to preserve centuries-old traditions, empower the next generation, and bring the global Bengali community closer through shared cultural pride.

• Manna dey
• Shrea ghosal
• Birju maharaj
• Subha mudgal
• Runu Majumdar
• Tarun Bhattacharya
• Ajoy Chakraboty
• Imon Chakraborty
• Shankar mahadeban
• KK
• Shan
• Manna de
• Sanshya mukhopadhya
• Arati mukhopadhya
• Subhamita
• Raghab.
• Anupam
• Abhijt,
• Alka
• Kumar shanu
• Selim sulema,
• Sundi chowhan,
• Sonu Nigam
• Javed Ali
• Shrikanta Acharya
• Lopa mudra
• Indranil sen