Know your roots.
Branch out.
Grow together.
The Banyan Tree is a South Asian community center based in Berkeley, CA. We offer classes, camps, and events around South Asian stories, histories, and cultures for people of all ages. We are a secular, inclusive, and equity-centered organization.
Why we exist
In South Asia, an old Banyan Tree was a place of shade and sanctuary for children to play amidst a maze of branches, for teens to talk the afternoon away, and for adults to find a moment of rest. Like the neighborhood Banyan Tree, we are a space for our communities to gather, grow, and thrive together.
Banyan trees grow roots from their branches, until these roots reach the soil, and grow into strong trunks of their own. These little roots become the Banyan trees of the future. We are a space for our youth to claim the resources they need to grow into the next generation of Banyan trees, and build the world they want to live in.
What we do
Youth
Elementary & Middle School
Join our year-round classes and summer camps to build lifelong friendships, and learn about South Asian history/languages with fun, hands-on activities, in a secular, inclusive, equity-rooted setting
Teens
High School
Backpack in California, travel to South Asia, or join the year-round Seed Fellowship to learn about South Asian history/languages while exploring the world around you, building lifelong friends, discovering your passions, and giving back through volunteering
Adults
18+ years old
Explore South Asian history and culture through our adult summer camps, classes, and clubs, including our monthly Trivia Night, Book Club, Movie Night, Natural History Hikes, Political Action Circle, and more
upcoming event
Movie Night: Homebound
April 10, 2026 | 7:00PM - 9:30PM
$25 | Clarion Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Join us for a viewing of Homebound, a heartfelt 2025 Cannes Film Festival film about two friends striving for dignified work from their marginalized caste, religious, and socioeconomic positions. The film will be screened in Hindi with English subtitles. It will be followed by an optional discussion / social time. This event will be held at Clarion Performing Arts Center: 2 Waverly Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108
Publications
Mausam Magazine
a seasonal collection of stories by young South Asian voices
Team Banyan Tea
short reflections on what our team is brewing
The Curriculum Chest
a treasure chest of learning for all ages about South Asian history, languages, & more
SUMMER!
Early Bird Registrations get 10% off until March 30.