Kashmiri Overseas Association Inc.

08/17/2026

KOA members visited the magnificent Akshardham Temple in New Jersey during the annual camp hosted in Princeton. We all enjoyed a guided tour of this remarkable landmark of Hindu architecture, spirituality, and culture, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone.

During the visit, KOA President - Uphaar Kotru had the opportunity to address the gathering from the stage. In his remarks, he shared a brief introduction to the Kashmiri Pandit community—our rich cultural and spiritual heritage, our resilience in preserving our traditions despite displacement, and our continued efforts to keep our history and identity alive for future generations. He also reflected on the inspiring experience of visiting Akshardham and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the KOA members.

akshardhamusa : https://www.instagram.com/reels/Da-UMwCiT_h/

08/16/2026

The Kashmiri Food Fest at the San Jose Independence Day Parade was a tremendous success! 🇮🇳🌸

This was a proud moment for the Kashmiri Pandit community in the Bay Area as we came together to share the rich flavors, traditions, and cultural heritage of Kashmir with the wider community. Beyond celebrating our heritage, the event also helped raise awareness and support for the Kheer Bhawani USA Center in Livermore. Kheer Bhawani USA

The success of this event would not have been possible without the incredible dedication of the volunteers, who worked tirelessly over the past several months. Their hard work, commitment, and passion truly brought this event to life and reflected the warmth and unity of our community.

A sincere thank you to The Avanti Foundation and IACF for organizing this wonderful event, and to everyone who volunteered, supported, and visited the booth. Your encouragement and participation made this celebration a memorable success. Together, we continue to preserve our heritage, strengthen our community, and inspire future generations. 🙏❤️

If you'd like to support Kheer Bhawani USA Center in Livermore, please consider making a donation:
https://www.kheerbhawaniusa.org/donate-page

Every contribution, big or small, helps us build a lasting cultural and spiritual home for our community. Thank you for your support! 🙏

08/15/2026

08/10/2026

Namaskar! 🙏

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of Early Bird Registration, available through August 15!

📅 Dates: September 4–7, 2026
📍 Location: Camp Sierra, Big Creek, CA

⭐ Registration Steps
Step 1: Register for the Camp
Your registration includes meals, entertainment, sightseeing, and all camp activities (accommodation is booked separately).

🎟️ Early Bird Pricing (through August 15)

Adults (14+): $250

Children (7–13): $125

Children (6 & Under): Free

Regular Pricing (after August 15)

Adults (14+): $275

Children (7–13): $135

Children (6 & Under): Free

💙 KOA Lifetime Member Discount
Lifetime KOA Members receive a $50 discount per reservation.

Use the code below during registration:
Member Code: KOALIFEDISCOUNT2026

💳 Save on Processing Fees
Select "Manual Payment" during checkout and complete your payment via Zelle or check. Once payment is made, please email [email protected] so we can finalize your registration.

🏡 Step 2: Reserve Your Accommodation
Accommodation is not included with camp registration and must be booked separately. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to reserve early.

🚌 Step 3: Interested in the Group Bus?
We're exploring a group bus from the Bay Area (one central pickup location). If you're interested in traveling with the community, please complete the interest survey.

We can't wait to welcome you and your family to the KOA West Coast Annual Camp 2026!
google.com/url?q=https://www.koausa.org/events/koa-west-coast-camp-2026-sep-4-7&source=gmail&ust=1786419205995000&usg=AOvVaw0BWGOQUw40vqIYLoyYffuL

https://www.koausa.org/book-accommodation #/search

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6Xodh4H0D302oyostDv5UZNBSnFbYTgyE7ss9PsrN7tjnBQ/viewform

08/06/2026

*Heritage Tour – Day 6 (Final Day) | June 11*

*The final day of our Heritage Tour was an emotional journey through Kashmir's sacred heritage, history, and resilience.*

https://youtu.be/P0eLlc_hy2M?si=ZBqfWcBb14t0A8su

*VITASTA HERALD TRN*

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Heritage Tour – Day 6 (Final Day) | June 11The final day of our H...

07/31/2026

Congratulations to Anshoo Tikoo Zutshi and the entire team! Acappella Anshoo Sunayana Kachroo

The Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Anshoo Tikoo Zutshi on the release of her debut original single and short film, "Yeh Ishq Hai."

This beautiful musical and cinematic creation is much more than a romantic story—it is a heartfelt celebration of love, culture, and Kashmiri heritage. Through her artistry, Anshoo has skillfully blended timeless storytelling with contemporary music, creating a work that resonates with audiences while proudly showcasing the richness of Kashmiri traditions.

"Yeh Ishq Hai" is a remarkable collaboration with award-winning writer and lyricist Sunayana Kachroo and National Award-winning music director Dr. Saleel Kulkarni, bringing together powerful lyrics, soulful melodies, and exceptional storytelling. Directed by Vivek Tickoo, the film features Viidushi Tiwari and Sandeep Singh, whose performances beautifully portray the journey of love and human connection.

What makes this project especially meaningful is its authentic portrayal of Kashmiri culture. From traditional wedding rituals such as isband burning, pheras, posh pooza, and the bride adorned in the traditional ath, the video thoughtfully preserves and celebrates the customs, memories, and identity of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

By seamlessly weaving together Kashmiri and Hindi language, music, and cultural elements, the project introduces mainstream audiences to the beauty of Kashmiri heritage while inspiring younger generations to embrace and preserve their roots. It is a wonderful example of how art can serve as a bridge between tradition and modern storytelling.

KOA is proud to see members of our community creating meaningful work that preserves our heritage while reaching audiences around the world.

🎬 Watch & Listen
📺 Watch "Yeh Ishq Hai" on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/S8NcTydHvDU?is=OjxoAVp7iHMzyhhV

🎧 Stream on your favorite music platforms:

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5vQhVrI7tFd7JSjt1oHz05

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/yeh-ishq-hai-single/6784117116?uo=4

07/31/2026

Part of The Heritage Tour, Homeland yearning, when "Back Home" breaks you emotionally

07/26/2026

🏆 KOA Team Excellence Award 2026

Honoring the KOA Heritage Preservation Team

Heartiest congratulations to the KOA Heritage Preservation Team on receiving the KOA Team Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of your outstanding teamwork, unwavering dedication, and remarkable contributions to preserving, promoting, and passing on the rich heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Under the leadership of Dileep Tiku, the KOA Heritage Preservation Program has become a cornerstone of KOA's mission, bringing together passionate volunteers committed to safeguarding our cultural legacy through four key pillars: Language Heritage, Spiritual Heritage, Literature Heritage, and Sacred Sites Preservation in Kashmir.

Over the past year, the team has made significant contributions by expanding Kashur Hechav language classes, introducing both foundational and advanced programs in Kashmir Shaivism, organizing engaging conversations with renowned Kashmiri writers and scholars, advancing the Kashur Docuseries and Devanagari standardization initiatives, and supporting efforts to preserve the sacred temples and heritage sites of Kashmir. Through these initiatives, the team is ensuring that our language, traditions, history, and spiritual heritage are preserved and shared with future generations while inspiring greater community participation.

This remarkable work has been made possible through the dedication of the core leadership team:

Dileep Tiku – Program Director
Vijay Dhar
Manoj Kaul
Vikram Khosa
Ashwani Kaul
Pamposh Zutshi
Rashmi Kilam Khosa
Anjana Kaul

Their efforts are further strengthened by the many dedicated volunteers who contribute across each heritage pillar. While too numerous to name individually, their passion, commitment, and selfless service have been instrumental to the program's success.

Congratulations to the entire KOA Heritage Preservation Team! Thank you for your vision, leadership, and tireless efforts in protecting our heritage and ensuring that the rich legacy of the Kashmiri Pandit community continues to educate, inspire, and unite generations to come.

07/25/2026

KOA Appreciation Award 2026

Honoring Prerna Srivastava-Tikku Prerna Srivastava-Tikku

The Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) is proud to present the KOA Appreciation Award to Prerna Srivastava-Tikku in heartfelt recognition of her unwavering commitment, inspiring leadership, and exceptional contributions to the success of the National KOA Camp 2026 in Princeton, New Jersey.

Prerna's dedication, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts played an instrumental role in making the National KOA Camp a memorable and meaningful experience for attendees. Her willingness to serve, attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence exemplify the true essence of volunteer leadership.
Through her passion for community service and her ability to bring people together, Prerna has demonstrated the values that define KOA—service, teamwork, and a deep commitment to preserving and strengthening the bonds of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The Kashmiri Overseas Association extends its sincere gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Prerna Srivastava-Tikku. Thank you for your outstanding service, your leadership, and the positive impact you have made on our community. Your dedication is truly appreciated and continues to inspire us all.

07/25/2026

KOA Chapter Excellence Award 2026

Honoring Nitesh Bhat

Heartiest congratulations to Nitesh Bhat on receiving the KOA Chapter Excellence Award 2026 for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the KOA Chicago / KP Midwest Chicago community.

Under Nitesh's leadership, the chapter delivered an outstanding year of cultural, spiritual, family, and youth-focused programs that strengthened community engagement and celebrated our rich heritage. A historic highlight was the first-ever Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela in Chicago, recreating the sacred traditions of Tulmula and bringing the community together through devotion, culture, and fellowship.

His leadership also expanded youth participation, strengthened volunteer engagement, and elevated the chapter through memorable events, including Herath celebrations, Gaad Baat & Khech Mavas, the Community Chess Competition, and the historic Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela.

Congratulations, Nitesh, on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your outstanding service, vision, and commitment to preserving our heritage while building a stronger and more connected community. 👏