HMM Mission

The Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) as a cultural organization, is committed to educate and create awareness amongst the mainstream community in the Greater Houston area about Maharashtrian and Indian culture. This is accomplished by undertaking various activities and cultural events in the fields of arts, literature, health, religion and other liberal humanities. The Mandal works to promote goodwill, understanding and appreciation of the culture of India, especially the State of Maharashtra.

HMM Organization

How we got started

The Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) is a community cultural group
established by Marathi speaking people of Maharashtra, India, residing in the
Houston area. HMM was organized as a non-profit organization under the Texas
non-profit Corporation Act on 2 nd September 1980. Back then, there were about sixty Maharashtrian families residing in the Houston area. They regularly celebrated various festivals with great enthusiasm.

HMM was a host to the BMM convention held in Houston in 1995, that was attended by over 2700 Maharashtrians from across North America. BMM (Brihan Maharashtra Mandal) is an umbrella organization that brings together all the Maharashtra Mandals across various cities in North America.

The Mandal

All activities of the HMM are entirely managed by volunteers and a Board of
Directors, who dedicate their time and efforts for the benefit of the community.
HMM is governed by a set of by-laws and Codes of Conduct and Ethics.

By 2024, HMM has grown into a vibrant community of over 500 member families
that come together at various festivals by the hundreds. A highlight of this growth has been the establishment of the HMM Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir (Temple)
dedicated to the favorite deities of Maharashtra namely. Vitthal-Rukmini, Ganapati and Mahalaxmi.

HMM Divisions

This monumental growth has also spawned the need to re-organize the structure of the Mandal into four divisions, each dedicated to a specific activity.

Cultural

Cultural team arranges various cultural events, community activities independently or in collaboration with BMM and other Indian American organizations throughout the year.

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Festival

HMM celebrates major festivals with Houstonian family and friend. The celebration includes Makar Sankrant, Holi, Gudi-Padawa, Ganesotsav, Dasara and Diwali. These events are perfect stage for local talents. During these festivals we also help small businesses and food vendors in the area by giving them opportunity to setup booths.

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Entertainment

HMM presents variety of entertainment program from North America community as well as artists from India. Drama, Music performances and movies launch are regular features of HMM program throughout the year.

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Community Events

It is our commitment to not only celebrate together but also help the community grow together. HMM provides platform for interaction, tap and develop skills through community workshops.

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Cricket

HMM Cricket team (men & women) is and establishment of a cultural center. We are looking forward for expanding this subdivision by adding more teams for this favorite sporting activity of the community.

Marathi Shala (school)

Organizes and holds school on Weekly during the academic year for teaching Marathi language and culture to students with the support of volunteer teachers. The school follows the local school public district calendar.

Vastu

This Division manages an 11.5-acre property owned by HMM in Rosenberg, TX. The center piece being the Mandir (Temple) dedicated to the favorite deities of Maharashtra – Vitthal Rukmini, Ganpati and Mahalaxmi. The Mandir was established in July 2024 with a grand ceremony attended by hundreds of members. A portion of the property is also used for cricket ground where various tournaments are held. FUnraising is actively in progress for various development plans on this property.

Dhol-Tasha

This team of over a hundred volunteers routinely practices the synchronized playing of the Dhol-Tasha (percussion) and forms an important part of most cultural events. The Dhol-Tasha being an ensemble of several drums and cymbals played in unison. The reverberating sounds of the Dhol-Tasha create a spirit of energy, enthusiasm and excitement.

2025 BOD Team

Anjou Sathe Keller

Lead BOD

Anjou Sathe Keller has been an active participant in HMM since 2011. She has
held many positions on the cultural committee from Volunteer to President. Anjou has been on the BOD since 2022 and a lead BOD since 2023. Her goal is to lead with inclusivity, integrity and dedication, ensuring that our Mandal remains an influential platform for celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage in Houston and in the United States. She aims to build a harmonious community for Maharashtrians in Houston.

BOD Core Team

Meghana Jadhav

BOD Tresurer

Kiran Ketkar

BOD Core Member

Achala Bapat

BOD Core Member

Harshali Kulkarni

BOD Web Lead