The Arkansas Kerala Association is a non-profit organization registered in the State of Arkansas, dedicated to promoting the culture and heritage of Kerala, a southern state in India. The association was founded by a group of Malayali (people from Kerala) families living in Arkansas who wanted to come together to celebrate their culture and maintain their connections to their homeland. The associa
tion hosts several events throughout the year to celebrate major festivals and occasions such as Onam and Christmas, as well as organizing cultural programs, picnics, and sports events. These events provide opportunities for members to come together and socialize, as well as to introduce their culture to the wider community in Arkansas. The association also supports charitable causes in both Kerala and Arkansas. They have donated to organizations such as the Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund and the Arkansas Foodbank, among others. The Arkansas Kerala Association has a strong focus on preserving and promoting the traditions and customs of Kerala. They regularly showcase traditional dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Thiruvathirakali, as well as traditional music and cuisine. The association has diverse membership, consisting of both Malayalis who have recently migrated to Arkansas, those who have lived in the state for several years and also non-Malayalis who have close affinity towards Kerala. Members come from various professions and backgrounds, including doctors, engineers, educators, and businesspeople. Overall, the Arkansas Kerala Association is a vibrant and active organization that plays an important role in promoting the culture and heritage of Kerala in Arkansas while also supporting charitable causes in both Kerala and the local community.
