The next Konkani Sammelan is coming back to its birthplace in  New Jersey after 16 years and we have the privilege to celebrate sweet  sixteen of the Sammelan! It will be hosted at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison, NJ from June  29-July 1, 2012 (Fri-Sun). Please mark your calendars and save the dates.


The North East region was  finalized for hosting the 2012 Konkani Sammelan only in May 2011. Since then,  we have raced against time to put together a dedicated and motivated team of  volunteers for organizing this mega event. The team's vision is to host the  best Konkani Sammelan to date and provide all attendees with outstanding  cultural and entertainment programs, seminars, authentic and sumptuous  Konkani food, social and professional networking opportunities, youth and  children events.

Edison, NJ is at the heart of Indian and Konkani  community in the North East. It is approximately 25 miles south west of New  York City. The area is serviced by three major airports; the nearest airport  being Newark, NJ (airport code EWR). The NJ Convention Center is an ideal  place for holding the Sammelan, as it is NJ's largest private venue with  modern facilities to host big entertainment programs, meetings, vendor  booths, and has a huge dining area. We have negotiated exclusive discounted  rates with Sheraton and Hilton Garden hotels in Edison, which are near the  Convention Center. Details on hotels in the vicinity, room rates, and how to  make hotel reservations will be published on our website.


The theme for our Konkani  Sammelan 2012, very aptly, is: "Connecting Konkanis, Heart to  Heart, Home away from Home". The various Konkani associations in  North America and events like the biennial Konkani Sammelan are indeed  catalysts for us to connect with our fellow Konkanis, culture, traditions,  language and of course to enjoy our food. For our children and the youth  growing up in North America, and also for adults and seniors, the Sammelan  promises to be a great cultural experience and retreat, home away from home.  We are aspiring for and expecting around 2000 Konkanis under one roof for 3  days in this upcoming Sammelan. This in itself should make us all Konkanis  very proud!


In 2012, as July 4th  holiday in the US falls on Wednesday, we decided to hold the Sammelan on the  earlier weekend, as this would give out-of-town attendees chance to take  advantage of the short week ahead for extended vacation with friends and  relatives or touring the incredible North East region. More information on  nearby sight-seeing areas and tourist attractions will be published on our  website.