Ankur is a non profit organization formed in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio to maintain and develop identity and closeness among ethnic groups of India.

Ankur's objectives are very simple. Most important being to preserve and promote cultural of Gujarat . Gujarat is the western state of India, Birth place of Mahatma Gandhi.

Next is to promote and practice religious activities. We also look at the welfare and assimilation of Gujaratis in the main stream of American life. Almost all of our activities and celebrations are geared to culture and religion together.

To foster friendship and understanding among its members and to develop common loyalties and mutual interest through literary, cultural and educational activities. To cooperate and participate with other organizations in programs and activities of common interest.

To sustain and perpetuate the cultural heritage of Gujarat among people and the new generation is the important objective of Ankur.

Ankur being seedling started in 1978 on Fullmoon day in the Month of Falgun, ( VS 2034 ) which we know as "Holi " according to our Hindu calendar. The day was Sunday, March 19th Exactly 25 years ago.

Ankur is the germinating seedling…. we wanted it to grow in a beautiful tree and we are happy, it has over the last 25 years. Today we have 99 life members and many more annual members collectively forming a big family of more than 250 family members. The warmth and welcome we get under the roof of Ankur is very supportive. The friendship we nurture here is lasting. Today members are enjoying the monthly gatherings and activities at several different occasions through out the year.

We were blessed on May 21st, 1986 with present Ankur facility located in Blue Ash Cincinnati at 9502, Highland Avenue. With community support we have our home, simple but loving, small still warm and welcoming.

Shivaratri, RamaNavami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Janmasthami with Bhajan to enhance the religious awareness among people.

Fogana, Mother's Day, Father's Day, India Independence Day, Navratri, Diwali and Christmas to celebrate Gujarati, Indian and western cultures. We gather for monthly dinners to raise the funds to maintain Ankur.

We have been great supporter of Gujarati culture for last 25 years. Navratri, the Gujarati tradition is our popular gathering. All ages join and enjoy nine days of Navratri at Ankur since 1986 with other community friends of various origin. Diwali always brings children and families together no matter where we are celebrating.

FOGANA is federation of Gujarati Association of North America. It conducts raas garaba competition every summer that has always attracted young adults. Locally children look forward to the dance practices and leaning, meeting new families, making new friends and enjoying summer at Ankur.

The general intent of this Raas Garba competition is to popularize the folk dances of Gujarat and to help add enthusiasm and desire amongst our young generation to learn the culture and folk dances and traditions with effort and hard work. Volunteers give their time free to teach young children and parents devote their time to give opportunity to their children.