The Konkani Association of Ontario (KAO) sprang out of the inspiration of few konkani ladies in 1988 to meet together as a community to celebrate Diwali. As time passed, more and more konkani families joined in. The ever-increasing numbers indicated a need to create a formal association and to increase the number of participating events. As time progressed, the members of the association envisioned a need to contribute to the Canadian Society. In 2001, KAO received the not-for-profit status from the Government of Ontario. In 2005, the association received the charitable status from the Government of Canada. Today, the association has over 175 listed members and 73 life members.