Durga Puja made its grand debut at the iconic Times Square in New York, drawing a large crowd of Indian-Americans eager to participate in the festivities. Viral videos showcased a beautifully decorated Durga Puja pandal in the heart of the bustling city, capturing the attention of onlookers. Instagram influencer Ruchika Jain shared a video to announce the festival’s commencement, inviting all Indian-Americans to join in the celebration.
The two-day event, organized by The Bengali Club USA, began with traditional Nabami Puja and Durga Stotras to mark the ninth day of the festival. Following the prayers, devotees participated in Nabami Puja Anjali, offering their respects to the Goddess. The celebrations culminated in the Dashami Puja, where attendees bid farewell to the Goddess.
🚨 Durga Puja at Times Square, New York 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dsTqktg14d
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) October 7, 2024
One of the highlights was the iconic Sindur Khela, a Bengali tradition where married women apply vermilion to each other, witnessed by many excited spectators. The event concluded with a lively Bollywood Dance Musical, providing a vibrant wrap-up to the two-day festivities.
Social media users praised the event, celebrating its role in uniting Indian-Americans with their cultural roots during the festive season. Comments on various platforms highlighted the significance of the occasion, with one user stating, “This is the soft power of Indians. Congratulations for the celebration in New York.” Another noted, “A historic celebration! For the first time ever, Durga Puja graced Times Square, bringing the heart of Bengali culture to the center of New York City.”
