Bronx Puja Committee, Inc. is a not-for-profit Bangladeshi Hindu religious organization in Bronx, New York. The organization’s principal aim is to teach new generations the spiritual and religious teachings of Hinduism and encourage them to actively participate in practicing Hindu culture, tradition, and language. The Bronx Puja Committee observes various Pujas year-round, such as Saraswati Puja, Durga Puja, Basonti Puja, Ganesh Puja, and Lakshmi Puja. It also has monthly or biweekly chanting sessions for adults and children in New York City. The organization is building its temple in the Bronx with the community’s help.
Apart from religious events, the Bronx Puja Committee organizes social events like picnics, group travel, and sports to maintain a strong bond among the community. As a not-for-profit, most of its works and activities are performed voluntarily by its members or well-wishers. The committee was founded in 2006.
The Bronx Puja Committee is a nonprofit religious organization established under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and incorporated under the laws of New York State. As a tax-exempt entity, it operates exclusively for religious, charitable, and educational purposes under federal and state regulations.
Core Mission:
The Bronx Puja Committee is dedicated to fostering religious harmony, cultural preservation, and community service. It welcomes individuals of all faiths to participate in its activities while upholding the following objectives:
- Preserving Hindu Heritage – Promoting Hinduism’s spiritual, moral, and cultural traditions through the teachings of Vedic Sanatan Dharma.
- Interfaith Collaboration – Encouraging mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious communities.
- Spiritual & Moral Growth – Supporting the well-being of Hindus and related organizations worldwide.
- Youth Engagement – Educating younger generations about Sanatan Dharma’s values, culture, and traditions.
- Humanitarian Service – Providing charitable assistance to individuals in need, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity.
- Fundraising Initiatives – Organizing cultural, religious, and social events to sustain the organization’s mission.
Membership:
- General Member: Membership is open to any person of legal age eighteen (18) years or older who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The candidate must understand and be sincere, dedicated, and committed to society’s principles, values, and objectives. General membership requires a $10 application fee and a $5 monthly fee.
- Founder Members: Funders who donated $5,000 to build the temple are permanent members with advisory and decision-making powers. Their decisions are binding on all other committee members. Founder members can not be removed, changed, or altered.
- Life members: Life members pay monthly dues for life, with a minimum $100 donation for the first seven years towards the temple mortgage. Founder members are automatically life members.