WHO WE ARE
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Indian Cultural Association of Howard County Inc is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. ICA was formed to promote social & cultural ties between the Indian-American & the community at large, advance greater cultural understanding & social equity, decrease food insecurity, and reduce food waste.
ICA has over 11,000 followers on Facebook and together with their families, ICA forms the largest cultural organization in the region. ICA events have been attended by over 60,000 people. Festivals of the sort Howard County have not seen before - Howard County Fairgrounds called it the "Largest single day attendance." Our festivals promote a sense of community, sharing, diversity and help to break down barriers between people of all different backgrounds, race, religion, color, and other. Indian culture promotes the oneness of humanity, the oneness of all creation.
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Indian Americans are the largest immigrant community in Howard County. We are diverse, multi-ethnic with vibrant Indian communities. Both Howard County and Maryland are vibrant representations of the numerous cultures and religions from around the world. ICA brings people together around the vibrant Indian culture and heritage through various cultural, social, civic, and other activities.
India is a diverse country with all races and religions living peacefully together. it is an ancient land of Yoga, meditation, and ahimsa. Indian culture is more than 10,000 years old. We see the divine in everyone and everything. We celebrate diversity. We engage in activities designed to better our community through programming focused on serving the most vulnerable in our communities. Our programming is designed to help UNITE the people from the Indian subcontinent, to help preserve its culture and traditions, to pass on our cultural heritage to the next generation.
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Since the pandemic, due to widespread hunger in our community, ICA has been distributing food and has worked to decrease food insecurity among the most vulnerable in our community. One third of Howard County families are food insecure. Our commitment to alleviate hunger in our community is unwavering.
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SEVA is a big part of Indian culture. 'SEVA' in Hindi means selfless service to others without expecting anything in return. SEVA is the guiding principle of ICA. We are grateful to be able to serve and we serve with humility.
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