A cultural home for the Indian community in Los Angeles
Founded in 1999, the India Association of Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) cultural, civic, and family organization serving the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles.
Why we exist
“To introduce, promote and enhance awareness of the heritage, culture and traditions of India by organizing various cultural and social events.”
For more than 25 years we've been a gathering place — where families celebrate the festivals of home, where our kids discover their roots, and where the Indian community of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley finds each other. We're a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 95-4858383).
From 1999 to today
IALA started in 1999 with a few families who wanted a place to celebrate India's holidays together. That first small gathering grew into our annual India Day Mela, which has welcomed more than 10,000 people over the years, and our January Republic Day celebration.
Everything we do is run by volunteers — a leadership team of 34 (a 20-member Executive Committee and a 14-member Board of Directors) who give their time year after year.
- Year founded
- 1999
- Years serving our community
- 25+
- India Day Mela attendance
- 10,000+
- Volunteer leaders
- 34
Year founded
Years serving our community
India Day Mela attendance
Volunteer leaders
A few moments along the way
Milestones from 25 years of celebrating together across Los Angeles.
1999
A handful of families found IALA to give the growing Indian community of Los Angeles a place to celebrate together.
Every year since
Two traditions take root: the India Day Mela each August and our Republic Day celebration each January.
2015
Our Independence Day celebration in Granada Hills welcomes India's Ambassador to the United States, Arun Kumar Singh.
2016
Republic Day at the Royal Delhi Palace brings the community together for an evening of food, music, and flag-raising.
2019
The India Day Mela moves to Birmingham High School, one of our largest gatherings yet.
2024
We mark our 25th anniversary with a milestone India Day Mela — 25 years of celebrating together.
Our Values
The principles behind everything we do.
Heritage
We keep the culture, language, and traditions of India alive for new generations of Angelenos.
Community
We are a welcoming, family-centered association that turns neighbors into a network of support.
Service
We give back through volunteering, civic engagement, and programs that strengthen our community.
Celebration
We bring joy to life through festivals, performing arts, and shared cultural moments.
Where we're headed
We envision a Southern California where every Indian-origin family — and every neighbor who wants to learn and celebrate alongside us — has a welcoming place to honor their heritage. We want the next generation to grow up proud of their roots, connected to their community, and engaged as active citizens of Los Angeles.
A community of many
IALA serves families, students, seniors, professionals, and new arrivals across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles. Our members and volunteers speak many languages and trace their roots to every region of India — and everyone who wants to celebrate with us is welcome, whatever their background.
Cultural pride and civic engagement
We're proudly both cultural and civic. We celebrate the festivals, music, dance, and food that connect us to home — and we show up as engaged members of the wider Los Angeles community. From the annual India Day Mela to our Republic Day celebration, our work brings people together, welcomes elected officials and neighbors, and represents the Indian community with warmth and pride.
Led by community volunteers
IALA is guided by an elected board of officers and an executive committee who give their time, year after year, to serve our community. Meet the team behind our work.
Meet our leadership