About usসংহতি
Solidarity, in Orange County
Sanhoti is a non-profit 501(c)(3) cultural and charitable organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage of Bengali culture in Orange County and Southern California. Established in 2025, we welcome Bengali families across Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Tustin, Mission Viejo and the wider region — and everyone else who wants to share in it.
Registered 501(c)(3) non-profitEIN 39-2903777Founded 2025
About Us
Sanhoti is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to serving the community through cultural enrichment, education, and charitable initiatives. Based in Orange County, California, Sanhoti works to promote cultural awareness, community engagement, and social well-being for individuals and families across diverse backgrounds.
Founded in 2025, Sanhoti's mission is to foster an inclusive and supportive community by preserving cultural heritage while advancing charitable causes. Through community programs, educational activities, and cultural events, we aim to strengthen social bonds, support community needs, and create opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Our organization actively contributes to charitable efforts such as community outreach, food drives, and social support initiatives, ensuring that our impact extends beyond cultural celebration into meaningful service.
Sanhoti is dedicated to inclusivity, equity, and community service. We welcome and serve individuals of all races, religions, and ethnicities, creating a space where diversity is respected, celebrated, and uplifted.
Vision
To build a diverse, inclusive, and socially responsible community where cultural heritage is preserved, shared, and used as a bridge to inspire learning, unity, and charitable impact for present and future generations.
Mission
Sanhoti is a nonprofit organization organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and cultural purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Our mission is to promote cultural awareness, advance education, and serve the broader community by organizing programs, events, and initiatives that foster inclusion, community engagement, and social well-being.
Purpose
Sanhoti is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including but not limited to:
- Promoting cultural education and awareness through community events, workshops, and programs.
- Advancing educational initiatives that support learning, arts, and cultural understanding.
- Conducting charitable activities such as community outreach, food drives, and support programs for underserved populations.
- Fostering community development by creating inclusive opportunities for engagement across diverse populations.
- Supporting collaborations with other nonprofit and community organizations to further charitable and educational goals.
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein.
Everyone is welcome
While our foundation is rooted in Bengali custom, Sanhoti embraces diversity and warmly welcomes individuals from every background. Our doors are open to everyone — regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.
If you are looking for a Bengali or Indian association near you in Orange County or anywhere in Southern California, you have found one. Come to the next event — you do not need an invitation, a membership or a connection to anyone already there.
Cultural heritage
Puja performed properly, with a priest and the full ritual. Rabindra Sangeet and Bengali literature given a stage. Food cooked the way it is at home, not adapted into something else.
An open door
Rooted in Bengali tradition, but never closed. Neighbours, colleagues, partners and friends from every background are welcome at every event we run.
The next generation
Children born here should be able to read a Bengali sentence, recognise a raga and know why the dhaak sounds the way it does. Much of what we do exists for them.
Showing up for Orange County
Our charity work is local: Laura's House for survivors of domestic violence, Second Harvest for food insecurity. We are a part of this county, not just resident in it.
Questions
Things people ask us
- Do I need to be Bengali to attend Sanhoti events?
- No. Sanhoti events are open to everyone regardless of background, race, religion or ethnicity. Many of our attendees are not Bengali — they come for the food, the music and the atmosphere, and are made welcome.
- Where is Sanhoti based?
- Sanhoti is registered at 23 Calle Alamitos, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, and runs events at venues across Orange County including Costa Mesa, Irvine and Rancho Santa Margarita. Members come from across Southern California.
- Is Sanhoti a registered non-profit?
- Yes. Sanhoti is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, EIN 39-2903777. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and we can provide our tax-exemption letter for corporate matching-gift programmes.
- How do I join or get involved?
- You can become a member, volunteer at an event, or simply turn up to the next one. Membership supports the year-round programme and gives you a say in how the association is run.
- Which festivals does Sanhoti celebrate?
- Durga Puja is our largest festival, alongside Saraswati Puja, Kali Puja, Poila Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Pithe Puli Utsab, an annual picnic and a holiday party. We also run concerts, workshops and charity drives through the year.