A Cultural Homecoming: 2023 BAANA Bidesiya Convention and Bhojpuri Concert Makes History in Dallas
Dallas, Texas, USA – December 25, 2023
On December 23rd, 2023, the Marriott Convention Center in Carrollton, Texas became the stage for a long-overdue reunion—one filled with emotion, pride, and cultural revival. The BAANA Bidesiya Convention and Bhojpuri Concert, hosted by the Bhojpuri & Awadhi Association of North America (BAANA), was not just an event. It was a historic homecoming.
This monumental gathering welcomed the descendants of the Bidesiyas—the forgotten children of India who were taken from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand during the 19th and early 20th centuries and sent across the globe as indentured workers. Countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, South Africa, and Mauritius became their new homes, but they never forgot their roots. On this day, India remembered them.
Visionaries Behind the Movement
The convention was the brainchild of a remarkable team of community leaders who came together with one mission: to honor history and heal the diaspora divide.
Dr. Nandlal Singh, the driving force and architect of the convention, envisioned this cultural bridge and led its execution with tireless dedication. He was joined by Krishna Bhaskar, a respected board member and community leader in North Texas, who provided deep historical context for the gathering.
Mona Bhaskar, a pillar of the BAANA community, led the event coordination and execution with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every cultural nuance was respected and celebrated. Her leadership in hospitality and decor transformed the event into an experience of warmth and pride.
Atul Srivastava, current President of BAANA, played a critical role in logistics and programming, orchestrating every phase of the day—from breakout sessions to the evening concert. His opening remarks captured the spirit of the occasion and called for a global Bhojpuri awakening.
Past President Vibhuti Pandey provided strategic support throughout the planning stages, while Praveen Singh, Sourav Kumar, and Deo Singh—key members of the organizing committee—worked tirelessly to bring this ambitious vision to life. Their teamwork made the event not just possible, but unforgettable.
Honoring the Diaspora: A Ceremony of Belonging
The event began with a solemn and uplifting Ganesh Puja led by Pundit Mahendra Persad of the North Texas Hindu Mandir. His presence, along with the support of the temple’s largely Guyanese devotee base, symbolized the unbreakable spiritual thread that binds the diaspora.
Tara Bridgelal Maharaj and Shiva Maharaj, Trinidad-born founders of Madhuban Dham, played an extraordinary role in rallying global participation. Their nonprofit temple—rooted in preserving Hindu traditions among Caribbean Indians—served as a cultural beacon for the event.
The Consul General of India in Houston, Mr. C. Manjunath, delivered a moving keynote address, calling the event “a century in the making.” His presence signaled official recognition of the diaspora’s importance to India. He was joined by MLC Ratan Pal Singh from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, who brought heartfelt thanks from India for keeping the regional languages and customs alive abroad.
Joshua Chowritmootoo, a diplomat and scholar of Guyanese heritage, spoke powerfully about identity, pain, and resilience. His words moved many to tears as he stood with the very community his ancestors were once taken from.
Conversations That Connected Generations
The breakout sessions were a highlight—designed to educate, provoke thought, and spark healing.
- Rose Bhaskar moderated the first session with the Madhuban Dham team, exploring the parallels between Caribbean and Indian Hindu practices, and how they survived colonization through cultural strength.
- The second session, led by Atul Srivastava, featured historian Dr. Seeta Shah Roath, who shared a poignant chronology of the indentured workers, or Jahajis. Her research gave voice to those whose stories were never told.
- The third session, guided by Dr. Nandlal Singh, included Indian diaspora experts in a deeply engaging conversation about cultural assimilation, heritage, and identity.
A Feast of Flavor and Memory
The culinary experience was as rich as the history it honored. A specially curated menu showcased beloved dishes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, including Sattu Kachauri, Baingan Chokha, and more. Each item was named after cities in these regions—a thoughtful tribute to the roots of the Bidesiya journey.
Bhojpuri Beats and Global Rhythms
As the sun set, the energy soared. The evening gave way to the first-ever Bhojpuriya concert in North Texas, supported by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The crowd was swept away by the voices of Nisha Upadhyay and Rakesh Srivastava, celebrated Bhojpuri artists who brought everyone to their feet with rousing performances that blended folk tradition with modern flair.
The ballroom danced. The past healed. The future was reimagined.
A Joyful Reunion, a Promise for Tomorrow
BAANA’s team, led by hearts full of purpose and pride, delivered something greater than an event—they gave the diaspora a place to belong.
Reflecting on the day, Atul Srivastava said, “This event was emotional, informational, and beautifully executed. I believe it will inspire Indian communities around the world to reconnect with our Bidesiya brothers and sisters.”
Mona Bhaskar captured the sentiment best: “The moment we welcomed them like a baraat—with garlands, red tilaks, and rosewater—it wasn’t symbolic. It was spiritual. We embraced them not as guests, but as family.”
Since its founding in 2007, BAANA has worked to preserve and promote the culture of Bihar, UP, and Jharkhand through festivals like Holi, Diwali, Chhath, and Makar Sankranti. But this event was different. It was not just about celebration—it was about recognition, restoration, and reunion.
It was about telling our Bidesiyas: You were never forgotten. You are finally home.
BAANA, a 501(c) non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2007, continues to host events such as Holi, Diwali, Chhath, and Makar Sankranti for the growing population of people from UP, Jharkhand, and Bihar in North Texas.