COMMUNITY

History scripted: Durga Puja celebrated in the heart of New York City for first time

Thursday, 10 Oct, 2024
Jagdish Sewhani addressing the first ever Durga Puja celebrations at Iconic Times Square, New York. Also seen in the photo are Sitangshu Guha, Biswajeet Chakrobarty and others at historical celebrations. (Photo provided by Jagdish Sewhani)

In a historic moment, Durga Puja was celebrated in New York’s iconic Times Square, bringing the lively spirit of Indian culture to the bustling landmark. Organized by The Bengali Club USA, the two-day event attracted a large crowd of Indian-Americans in traditional attire. 

The festivities kicked off with the traditional Nabami Puja and Durga Stotras, celebrating the ninth day of the festival alongside a beautifully decorated Durga Puja pandal right in the heart of Times Square. Numerous videos shared online showcased the celebration’s spirit, with passersby and onlookers admiring the pandal’s impressive design. The event also featured a live band performance, enhancing the joyful atmosphere. 


(Photo provided by Jagdish Sewhani)

Internet users described the Durga Puja celebrations at Times Square as “historic,” highlighting the increasing influence of the Indian-American community. Many applauded the event as a demonstration of the “soft power of Indians” in the US, showcasing the cultural richness and diversity of the community.  

The celebration continued with Bollywood dances and musical performances, adding an entertaining flair to the spiritual events. This moment was not only a source of pride for the Indian community but also a remarkable showcase of spirituality on a global stage.