Calgary Marathi Association has been actively working for the welfare of the Marathi community living in Calgary and the surrounding areas for more than 4 decades. The Calgary Marathi Association’s activities are geared towards meeting the needs of all sections of the Marathi community it serves. We will try our best to make your adjustment to the new life as easy as possible. If you are already a member of the Calgary Marathi Association, we would like your input in a variety of ways – by making available your time in any way you can, by suggesting and helping us to undertake various types of activities, and so on. Calgary Marathi Association belongs to all of us. We all need to put in our share for the common welfare of the Marathi community. Calgary and its surrounding Areas include Airdrie, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Banff, Lethbridge (and more).
More about the Marathi language
Marathi (मराठी) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of western and central India. It is the official language of the state of Maharashtra. There are over 68 million fluent speakers worldwide. Marathi has the fourth largest number of native speakers in India and is the fifteenth most spoken language in the world. Marathi has some of the oldest literature of all modern Indo-Aryan languages, dating from about 1000 AD.
The Calgary Marathi Association (CMA) alongside our brilliant partners:
The Rajasthani Association (RANA)
The Odia Social and Cultural Association of Alberta (OSCAA)
is making history at the 2026 Calgary Stampede Parade!
As past winners of the Stampede Fan Favourite Award and 2nd prize in the Best Horse-Drawn Conveyance category, we are returning to the streets of Calgary bigger, louder, and more ambitious than ever before.
Our Visionary 2026 Partners
Community initiatives of this massive scale are only possible because of leaders who believe in giving back. We are immensely proud to carry the branding of our primary partners across the global broadcast:
Smile32 Dentistry Official Health & Wellness Partner
Maharashtra Seva Samiti Organization Official Community Empowerment Partner
Our 2026 Entry: Unity in Diversity
This Friday, our 100+ member procession brings a true cultural kaleidoscope to Alberta, weaving a beautiful fusion of Indian tradition and Canadian pride:
The Lead Banner: Proudly showcasing “INDIA, THAT IS BHARAT” introducing spectators to the nation’s traditional, original name under the global message of One Earth, One Family, One Future.
The Flags: Hand-in-hand representation of the Canadian and Indian flags, held by couples in stunning traditional and western attire.
The Dancers: A high-energy showcase featuring the rhythmic Lezim folk dance of Maharashtra, the elegant Sambalpuri silk-clad dancers of Odisha, and the festive Chang rhythms of Rajasthan.
The Drum Line (Pathak): The thunderous, synchronized acoustic beats of our massive Dhol-Taasha drum band marching under the historic saffron flag.
The Showstopper: Our First-Ever 12-Foot 3D Float!
To celebrate our 5th consecutive year on the world stage, we are debuting a magnificent, custom-built 3D float themed “A Cultural Amalgamation of Two Worlds.” The float playfully explores how our two cultures are beautifully connected through shared values, geography, and passions:
The Story Behind the Artwork: The Binary Connection
Look closely at the artwork on the float and you will see the Indian Royal Bengal Tiger (rocking a Calgary cowboy hat) playing a friendly game of hockey with the Canadian Beaver (wearing a traditional Maharashtrian Pheta turban).
Jersey #0: The Tiger wears number 0, honoring the revolutionary concept of “zero” invented in ancient India.
Jersey #1: The Beaver wears number 1, representing Canada’s international calling code.
Together, 0 and 1 represent the binary code that powers our modern digital world a symbol of how global innovation thrives when our two proud nations collaborate in friendship and mutual respect!
Deep Dive: Meet Our Corporate Champions
Smile32 Dentistry
Smile32’s corporate philosophy extends far beyond oral hygiene; their team is deeply committed to supporting the long-term wellness of local Calgary families through comprehensive, patient-focused care.
We would like to give a special acknowledgement to Dr. Partha Boruah (Dr. B). With over 30 years of dental expertise and more than 12 years leading the clinic, Dr. B brings a vital, whole-body perspective to community health and wellness. Thank you, Smile32, for partnering with us to showcase our heritage on Calgary’s grandest stage!
Maharashtra Seva Samiti Organization (MSSO)
For more than four decades, MSSO has been a beacon of social responsibility, working tirelessly to improve lives through sustainable grassroots development projects in India supporting women, farmers, marginalized communities, and disaster relief.
We proudly recognize MSSO President, Jivan Kayande, whose lifetime dedication to volunteerism spans across the Hindu Society of Alberta, Maanaw Seva Association, Hindi Parishad of Alberta, and the Society of Friends of Nepal. We are honored to partner with an organization that embodies the true spirit of global citizenship and community empowerment.
Where & When to Watch
Date: Friday, July 3rd, 2026
Estimated Broadcast Time: ~8:55 AM MDT
Live Broadcast: Tune into Global News Calgary on television or stream it live via the Global News YouTube Live Stream to catch our troupe and float live on national network TV!
Are you a local business owner looking for massive national exposure? Due to a last-minute corporate shift, we have exactly 4 performance Dhols (drums) remaining for corporate logo placement. These drums will be featured prominently on the live Global News national television broadcast.
Secure your category exclusive lock-out immediately: Contact Rohan Sankhe directly at 403 999 9304 or email special.events@cmacalgary.ca before 9:00 AM Thursday to get your banner printed!
Our Visionary 2026 Partners
Our 2026 Entry: Unity in Diversity
The Showstopper: Our First-Ever 12-Foot 3D Float!
The Story Behind the Artwork: The Binary Connection
Deep Dive: Meet Our Corporate Champions
Smile32 Dentistry
Maharashtra Seva Samiti Organization (MSSO)
Where & When to Watch
LAST-MINUTE BROADCAST OPPORTUNITY (CLOSING TOMORROW)