The word Deshantari is a combination of two Bengali words, Desh (my country) and Antari (far away). It so happens, many years ago, a group of Bengalis started out their lives in Ottawa, Canada, and contributed to the Canadian economy by working hard as all other Canadians. But one common need bound them all in one string – that of their Bengali identity!

At the end of a day or a week, they would want to speak their own language, sing to the music they grew up with or practice the mouth-watering recipes from back home. As time would progress, they would also want to share news from home, good news, bad news or simple politics and cultural events. The need for a forum emerged and a club was formed (1972) with the most appropriate name, Deshantari.

Over the past decades, Deshantari has helped the Bengalis of Ottawa in their pursuit of cultural identity by organizing Bengali drama, musical events, fund raising for social causes and charitable foundations. It has organized cultural events, sports events, discussion forums, social get together such as picnics for both adults and children. These activities are showcased in the most authentic way possible for Bengalis anywhere, at the annual Durga Pujo, the traditional autumn festival of cultural events. Boundless enjoyment at this festival spills over to other communities of origins in India and beyond.