Deshantari of Ottawa Carleton is a cultural and charitable organization set up by the local Bengali Community in 1972. Deshantari organizes various cultural and charitable events throughout the year. These activities include musical programmes, dramas and plays, annual picnic, activities such as Walk-A-Thon to raise funds for worthy cause, annual dinner, Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Saraswati puja, Childrens programmes. In addition there is a Badminton Club and a Library that is supported by Deshantari.