Vokkaligara Parishat of America — preserving heritage, connecting families, strengthening community
Our roots are in the soil of Karnataka.
Our branches reach across America.
Preserving heritage · Connecting families · Strengthening community · Since 1991
What's new
Who we are
A home away from home, since 1991
The Vokkaligara Parishat of America brings together Vokkaliga families across the United States. Through regional chapters, a biennial national convention and year-round programs, we keep Karnataka's culture close and give the next generation a place to belong.
We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit (Tax ID 31-1529941) and, since December 2024, an AmeriCorps-certified volunteer organization.
ನೇಗಿಲ ಕುಲದೊಳಗಡಗಿದೆ ಕರ್ಮ
ನೇಗಿಲ ಮೇಲೆಯೆ ನಿಂತಿದೆ ಧರ್ಮ"Within the plough lies our labour;
upon the plough stands our dharma."
What we do
Four pillars, one community
Everything VPA does grows from the same field: keeping our heritage alive and lifting each other up.
Cultural Preservation
ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ
Festivals, classical arts, Kannada language and Vokkaliga traditions preserved across America.
Education & Youth
ವಿದ್ಯೆ
Scholarships, youth forums and mentorship programs for the next generation.
Community Network
ಒಗ್ಗಟ್ಟು
Professional and personal connections across every region of the country.
Charitable Service
ಸೇವೆ
Humanitarian initiatives here in America and back home in Karnataka, India.
Coming soon
ವಿಶ್ವ ಒಕ್ಕಲಿಗರ ಸಮ್ಮೇಳನ
19th National Convention
Planning for the 19th National Convention is underway. Dates, venue and registration details will be announced here.
Visit the convention site- Where
- Texas, USA
- When
- Summer 2027
- Registration
- Announcing soon
The convention journey
Every two years, the whole family gathers.
Our regions
Four directions, one family
Find your regional chapter for local festivals, picnics, sports and seva.
View all regions
Atlantic Coast
VPA East
~200 confirmed attendees at Deepavali Mahotsava 2024, Edison NJ. 16 states from Maine to North Carolina.
16Statescoveredeast@myvpa.org
Great Lakes
VPA Midwest
VPA Midwest HQ in Auburn Hills, MI. Hosted the 2005 (Detroit) and 2013 (Chicago) national conventions.
13Statescoveredmidwest@myvpa.org
Pacific Coast
VPA West
~200 members in the SF Bay Area — the largest VPA chapter. Proud host of the 18th National Convention, San Jose 2025.
12Statescoveredwest@myvpa.org
Gulf Coast
VPA South
Founded 2006 — youngest chapter, fastest growth. Made history hosting the 15th Convention in Dallas, TX in 2017.
10Statescoveredsouth@myvpa.org
Get involved
Sow a seed, grow the community
Join as a member, give your time, or partner with us as a sponsor.
Become a member
Membership connects your family to your region, the national convention and a network of Vokkaligas across America.
- Regional festivals & events
- Convention member benefits
- A voice in the General Body
Volunteer
Every hour you give counts. Log your service hours toward recognition as an AmeriCorps-certified organization.
Log volunteer hoursSponsor & partner
Families and businesses who give back make our programs, scholarships and conventions possible.
Sponsors & PartnersExplore
More from VPA
Events
Ugadi, Sankranti, Rajyotsava and regional gatherings.
Gallery
Photos from conventions and chapter events.
Community Impact
Seva and humanitarian work in America and Karnataka.
History & Heritage
The story of the Vokkaligas and of VPA.
Leadership
Office bearers, Board of Trustees and past leaders.
Constitution & Resources
Bylaws, forms and member resources.