Blog, Community Buzz
Attended the monthly business networking meeting on February 26, 2026 in Port Coquitlam hosted by the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce – BC Chapter
Neeraj Kumar with Gagan Goyal
It was great connecting with over 35 fellow business owners from our Hindu community locally, sharing ideas and exploring ways to collaborate.
I’m proud to be a member of this growing chapter. If you’re a business owner and interested in becoming a member, feel free to connect with me, happy to share more details.
The Chef and Owner of the Dosa N Chaat Khazana restaurant where the CHCC Monthly Meeting took place
If you’re interested to become a member of Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC), please visit our website
Blog, Community Buzz
Great news for the Burnaby Indian community! I am excited to share the launch of Namaste Burnaby, a new community initiative created to serve as a local hub for Indians living in Burnaby. The platform aims to bring Indian Diaspora in Burnaby together by sharing community events, cultural activities, and useful local information, helping residents connect, engage, and feel more at home.
As someone who has been actively involved with the Indian community in Metro Vancouver for many years, I felt the need for a dedicated space focused specifically on Burnaby. Namaste Burnaby is my small effort to strengthen local connections, celebrate our shared roots, and bring people together. I invite you to be part of this journey and help grow this community together.
Follow Namaste Burnaby on social media – Facebook & Instagram.
Blog, Yoga
The International Day of Yoga was officially established in 2014 after a proposal by India was adopted by the United Nations, recognizing yoga as a global practice for health and well-being. It has been celebrated worldwide every year on June 21, the summer solstice, which holds special significance in many cultures. The first International Day Of Yoga was celebrated in 2015.
IDY Logo
The official International Day of Yoga logo reflects the essence of yoga; unity and balance. The folded hands symbolize yoga and connection, the human figure represents harmony between mind and body, and the green, brown, and blue colors stand for nature, earth, and the universe, reminding us that yoga is about living in balance with ourselves and the world around us.
I have been practicing Yoga on and off since my childhood. My journey with Yoga in Vancouver began in 2008. Since then, I have been actively involved in promoting yoga awareness within the community, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to experience yoga as a tool for better health. I remain committed to supporting and promoting yoga as a gift from India to the world, right here in Vancouver.
International Day Of Yoga (IDY) Events in Vancouver
The Consulate General of India in Vancouver hosts a free, annual International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebration at David Lam Park, Yaletown, Vancouver. This year IDY event will take place on June 20, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This community-focused event typically features a group yoga session, and is open to all skill levels. The event focuses on the “Common Yoga Protocol” (CYP), making it accessible for everyone.
Registration: Please visit again for registration details.
Community Group: Yoga lovers are invited to join the Vancouver Yoga Community Group created by me in 2008.
Blog, Community Buzz
Vancouver Desipreneur hosts quarterly meetups for the Small Business Owners with Indian roots. Vancouver Desipreneur is a Indian Business Club which includes Small Business Owners, Professionals, Enterpreneurs, Startup Owners.
Group Photo From Last Desipreneur Meetup
As Digii Ninja wrote in its recent blog, Desipreneur is a purpose-driven platform built on community-led business growth, meaningful collaboration, and long-term relationships.
Vancouver Desipreneur Meetup on January 26, 2026
The next Desipreneur Meetup is takign place in Coquitlam on January 29, 206 at Desi Spice Indian Restaurant.
Desipreneur Founder – Neeraj Kumar
Vancouver Desipreneur was founded by Neeraj Kumar, a respected community builder in Metro Vancouver. With a background in real estate, mortgages, and community engagement, Neeraj has built multiple platforms focused on meaningful connection and empowerment.
You can connect with Neeraj Kumar on LinkedIn to learn more about Desipreneur Business Club and how you can join the next meetup.
Blog, Community Buzz
Please join me in supporting Krishna Kirtan put together by Jagamohan Dasa & Friends in Vancouver (Burnaby) on January 31, 2025. Kirtan is a devotional singing in call and response style. In Kali Yuga we should never miss a chance to chant Hari Naam.
I recently met Jagamohan Dasa prabhu in Burnaby at Gujarati Jalso Restaurant and he came with a guitar. The customers there seeing him with a guitar asked him if he can play. He immediately started singing and chanting Hari Naam while playing his guitar. Even Shravan (listening) will uplift you. I posted a reel on my Instagram page.
Do not miss the chance to join the Kirtan below. Even being there and mere listening to the group chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra together will uplift your soul.
Event Details:
Date & Time: January 31, 2025; 6pm-8pm
Venue: BNH Community Hall, 5024 Rumble St. Burnaby
Tickets: Buy tickets at Eventbrite
Blog, Mortgage
Moving from India to British Columbia is a big milestone filled with new opportunities — and for many families, buying a home is one of the first major goals. But the Canadian mortgage process is very different from what we’re used to back home. Words like credit score, Notice Of Assessment (NOA), down payment rules, and stress test can feel overwhelming for newcomers. That’s why understanding the basics early on can help you plan better and become a homeowner sooner.
For Indian newcomers, the biggest challenges are usually limited Canadian credit history, understanding down payment requirements, and navigating employment rules here. In BC, you generally need 5% to 20% down, depending on the home price. Lenders look at your last two years’ income, your credit score, and your monthly debts. Even if you’ve recently arrived in Canada, many lenders have newcomer programs that consider foreign income, overseas work history, gifted down payments from family, or alternative ways to verify your finances. The key is knowing which lender fits your situation — and that’s where the right mortgage guidance helps.
Working with a mortgage broker who understands the Indian community makes the journey much easier. From explaining the process in simple terms to helping you prepare documents, compare lenders, and secure the right mortgage, personalized support goes a long way for newcomer families. If you’re a recent arrival from India and looking to buy your first home in BC, you can learn more or start your pre-approval with Neeraj Kumar Mortgages – where you would get friendly & trustworthy guidance for your Canadian homeownership dreams.
Blog, Community Buzz
Join us in celebrating Hindu Heritage Month 2025 in Surrey, BC, on November 15th!
November is officially proclaimed as Hindu Heritage Month by the Province of British Columbia also this year. Province of BC’s recognition follows Canada’s federal acknowledgment of Hindu Heritage Month in 2022. This is a moment of pride for all Hindus living in BC and across Canada, as it highlights the depth, diversity, and positive contribution of Hindus in Canada.
This celebration is not just about remembering the past – it’s about inspiring the future. The event will feature cultural performances, interactive activities, and community gatherings that showcase the richness of Hindu culture and the spirit of Sanātana Dharma. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community, connect with shared values, and celebrate the teachings of harmony, inclusiveness, and compassion that Hinduism represents.
Happy Hindu Heritage Month from Neeraj Kumar
I am proud to support a special community event organized by Hindu Mahila Cultural Society Of B.C. to honour and celebrate the timeless values and contributions of Hindu heritage.
Event Details:
Date & Time: November 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM onwards
Venue: Empress Palace Ballroom, #210 – 8166 128 Street, Surrey
Tickets: $45 per person | Table of 8: $320
For e-transfer or more information: [email protected]
Let’s come together to celebrate our shared heritage and spread the message of unity, peace, and cultural pride during Hindu Heritage Month 2025.
Blog, Community Buzz, Yoga
I am going to speak at the Mental Health Forum organized by Culture Chats BC Association. I will be sharing the role of yoga and mindfulness in mental health.
Mental health impacts all of us, our families, our workplaces, and our communities. Yet, conversations around it are often overlooked. This forum created a safe, welcoming space to address stigma, share knowledge, and empower one another with tools for resilience and well-being.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
My Role as a Yoga Enthusiast
As a yoga practitioner, I am excited to have the privilege of speaking about how yoga and meditation can support mental health. Simple breathing techniques, mindful movement, and meditation practices can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and improve emotional resilience. In a world full of distractions and pressures, yoga offers a way to reconnect with ourselves and find inner balance.
This is a free community event, but registration is required. Light refreshments will be served. Please register using this google form. For questions, please email at [email protected].
Blog, Community Buzz
Join me for a Bollywood Musical Night in Burnaby on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The night will include live music by BandSynthesis and some Karaoke Music. The entry price is only $15. There will be delicious Indian food available to purchase.
Dil Se Dil Tak 2025 brought to you by BandSynthesis in association with Neeraj Kumar Real Estate & AroGill Auto
The event offers not only great entertainment but also a wonderful opportunity to connect and network with members of the Vancouver Indian community. Let’s get together to celebrate our shared love for Indian bollywood music, make new friends, and enjoy an evening full of positive vibes.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 5:30PM – 9:30PM
Venue: 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
Entry: $15 per person, Buy your tickets online
Blog, Yoga
Join me and hundreds of other Yoga lovers at David Lam Park, Vancouver on June 21, 2025 to celebrate the International Day Of Yoga (IDY) 2025. The event is organized by The Consulate General Of India, Vancouver. International Day Of Yoga is celebrated worldwide on June 21st to spread the benefits of Yoga.
IDY 2025 Poster. Event Host: The Consulate General Of India, Vancouver
A specific theme is chosen each year, the theme for International Day Of Yoga (IDY) 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. This theme highlights the deep connection between our well-being and the health of our planet. It reminds us that by practicing yoga, we not only care for our body and mind but also contribute to a more balanced and sustainable world.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1
Entry: Free and Open to All. Please register using this google form
I invite you to join us for this special yoga event happening in open air in the park, not just for wellness, but to celebrate our culture and come together as a community. Whether you practice yoga every day or are just curious to try it, come experience the calm, strength, and connection yoga brings.
Bring your Yoga Mat, Water Bottle, Friends, Family, & Positive Vibes. See you all there on June 21st at David Lam Park. Register Now
