Finding Bangladeshi Communities in India: A Resource for Support and Comfort

When Bangladeshi patients and their families travel to India for medical treatment, they often face a variety of challenges. These can range from navigating a new healthcare system to dealing with language barriers and cultural differences. Amidst the stress of seeking medical care, finding a sense of community can provide immense comfort and support. For many, connecting with local Bangladeshi communities in India offers a familiar environment where they can share experiences, access helpful resources, and maintain cultural ties.

This blog aims to guide you in finding and connecting with Bangladeshi communities across different Indian cities, offering resources that can make your stay more comfortable and less daunting. Whether it's finding a nearby mosque, locating halal food, or participating in cultural events, this guide will help you feel more at home while you’re away from home.

Cultural Centers and Organizations

Cultural centres and organisations play a pivotal role in helping Bangladeshis maintain their cultural heritage while living in India. These centres organise events, festivals, and language classes that help keep the Bangladeshi culture alive.

Bangladesh Bhavan in Kolkata:

A cultural centre dedicated to promoting Bangladeshi arts, literature, and heritage. It frequently hosts cultural events, book fairs, and discussions that attract both locals and expatriates.

• Located at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan.
• Inaugurated in 2018 by the leaders of both India and Bangladesh.
• Dedicated to promoting Bangladeshi culture, arts, literature, and the history of the Liberation War of Bangladesh​.
• Features a museum with galleries on the Liberation War and Tagore’s connection to Bangladesh​.
• Includes a library with over 6,000 books, focusing on the cultural and intellectual exchange between India and Bangladesh​.
• State-of-the-art auditorium and seminar halls for cultural events and academic discussions​.

Bangladeshi Associations in Delhi:

• Various student and expatriate organisations organise events during significant Bangladeshi festivals such as Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) and Victory Day.
• Student and expatriate organisations in Delhi actively promote Bengali culture​.
• Regularly host events for important Bangladeshi festivals such as Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) and Victory Day​.

Festivals and Celebrations

For many Bangladeshis, participating in cultural and religious festivals is a way to stay connected to their roots. In major Indian cities with a substantial Bangladeshi population, these festivals are celebrated with much enthusiasm.

Durga Pooja:

• In cities like Kolkata and Mumbai, Durga Pooja is a major celebration among the Bangladeshi community. The festival is marked by the creation of grand pandals, cultural performances, and traditional rituals, bringing people together to worship the goddess Durga, followed by community feasts and gatherings.

Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year):

• Celebrated in places like Kolkata and Delhi with traditional fairs, food stalls, and cultural performances, bringing together the Bangladeshi community in a vibrant celebration.

Eid Festivals:

• Both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with special prayers in mosques and community feasts where Bangladeshi dishes are served.

Accommodation and Food

Guesthouses and Hostels

• Many cities in India, especially those with major hospitals like Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, offer guesthouses and hostels tailored to international visitors. 
• These establishments often provide a comfortable environment with basic amenities, making them ideal for short stays.
• Many of these guesthouses cater to medical tourists and are located near hospitals or community hubs, which can be highly beneficial for patients and their families.

Service Apartments

• For those staying for a longer duration, service apartments are a popular choice.
• These fully furnished apartments provide a home-like setting, including kitchen facilities, allowing visitors to cook familiar meals.
• Located near hospitals and major city centres, service apartments offer the flexibility of both privacy and comfort, making them ideal for patients who require extended medical care or those who want a more independent living arrangement during their stay. 

Note- For Bangladeshi patients seeking medical treatment in India, Bangla Health Connect offers crucial support with accommodation and local assistance. Whether it's booking nearby hotels or long-term service apartments, they ensure a comfortable stay tailored to medical needs. Their services are designed to make the entire medical journey as seamless as possible. For more detailed information on accommodation, visit Bangla Health Connect.

Finding Food and Bangladeshi Cuisine:

• Cities like Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai have several restaurants that specialise in authentic Bangladeshi dishes.
• These establishments cater specifically to Bangladeshi visitors, offering a range of traditional meals, including halal options.
• Bangladeshi grocery stores in regions like Park Circus (Kolkata) and Zakir Nagar (Delhi) stock essential products.

• These stores offer familiar ingredients commonly used in Bangladeshi cooking, making it easier to maintain dietary preferences while in India.