As in the case of many similar organizations, it was established during Pakistani rule in Bangladesh to promote and nurture the cultural and musical heritage of Bengal.

These include the Nababarsha or 'Bengali New Year' celebration held beneath the Banyan Tree at Ramna, commemorations of various national holidays, festivals dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam including their birth and death anniversaries, as well as seasonal programs.

Among their regular activities, Chhayanaut operates a music center and a cultural and general education school called "Nalanda."

They also conduct a program called "Shikhad" to introduce children to Bengali culture.

Furthermore, they publish a Bengali quarterly magazine titled "Bangladesher Hridoy Hote" that focuses on literature and culture.