'Wholesome’: NYC's Times Square Hosts Durga Puja For The First Time

As Navratri festivities have kicked off across the country, streets are lit up and stunning idols of Goddess Durga have been installed in pandals in almost every corner. While Indians are immersed in the festive cheer, it looks like New York has joined the celebrations too. Several videos of the first-ever Durga Puja festival organised at the iconic Times Square in New York City have gained the attention of social media users. With Durga Puja making its grand debut at Times Square, scores of Indians as well as Americans joined the celebration.

A social media user shared videos of the Durga Puja pandal from Times Square, showing glimpses of Indians and Americans enjoying the vibrant festivities. Several Indians decked up in traditional attire to participate in the celebrations. Many shared their excitement of experiencing their culture in New York for the first time. A lady from New York also applauded the event. She said, “It is a great event as people who are not Bengali get to witness the culture.” As learned from the caption, the festival was organised by the Bengali Club USA on October 5-6. Cultural performances were also held as part of the event.

Meanwhile, other videos of the surging crowd of people gathered to enjoy the Durga puja at Times Square have caught the internet’s attention. In one, we see a singer singing the popular Bengali song, Dhak Baja Kashor Baja, amid a happy crowd.

Several users reacted to the historic celebration. A user wrote, “Whenever we Bengalis are, we shall uphold our culture and traditions.” Another commented, “For the first time, Durga Puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States. Kudos to all the Bengalis living in New York who have made this possible.” “Wow! This is so wholesome to watch!” a comment read.

Navratri celebrations commenced in India on October 3. The last five days of Navratri are celebrated as Durga Puja, beginning Maha Shasthi till Vijaya Dashami in West Bengal and other parts of northeast India.