Durga Puja celebrated at Times Square, uniting Indian-Americans
Historic Durga Puja at Times Square celebrates Bengali culture
Durga Puja made its grand debut at New York’s Times Square, attracting numerous Indian-Americans to the celebration. Viral videos captured a Durga Puja Pandal amidst the bustling landmark, with many people gathering to enjoy the significant event. Instagram influencer Ruchika Jain shared a video, announcing the festival’s beginning and inviting Indian-Americans to partake in the festivities.
The two-day event, organised by The Bengali Club USA, commenced with the traditional Nabami Puja and Durga Stotras, marking the ninth day of the puja. These ceremonies were followed by the Nabami Puja Anjali to the revered Goddess, transitioning to the Dashami Puja where devotees bid farewell to the Goddess.
The iconic Sindur Khela took place, a Bengali tradition where married women apply vermilion to each other, attracting a large audience who watched the spirited celebrations. The event concluded with a Bollywood Dance Musical.
🚨 Durga Puja at Times Square, New York 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dsTqktg14d
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The viral videos, garnering thousands of likes on Instagram and X, received praise from users who celebrated the global recognition of Puja. X users also shared pictures of the event, appreciating how it brought Indian-Americans closer to their roots during the festive season. One user commented on starting their morning with a beautiful picture of Durga Puja at Times Square.
Another highlighted the celebration as an example of the “soft power of Indians” and congratulated the community for the event in New York. A third user described it as a historic celebration, noting that for the first time ever, Puja took place at Times Square, showcasing Bengali culture in the heart of New York City.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Hindustan Times highlights the inaugural Durga Puja celebration at Times Square, New York, showcasing Bengali culture and attracting scores of Indian-Americans in a festive event.(read more)
- The Indian Express reports that Durga Puja celebrations in Times Square, New York City, have gone viral, marking the first-ever event bringing NRIs together in traditional festivities.(read more)
- Indiatimes reports on the first-ever Durga Puja celebrations in Times Square, New York, emphasizing community and cultural unity among NRIs, highlighting viral social media responses and traditional festivities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Where was Durga Puja celebrated for the first time in New York?
Times Square.
Who organized the Durga Puja event at Times Square?
The Bengali Club USA.
What traditional activities were part of the Puja celebration at Times Square?
Nabami Puja, Durga Stotras, Nabami Puja Anjali, Dashami Puja, and Sindur Khela.
What event concluded the two-day Durga Puja festival at Times Square?
A Bollywood Dance Musical event.
How did social media users react to the Puja celebration at Times Square?
They praised it for bringing Indian-Americans closer to home and called it a historic celebration.
