For the first time in history, Durga Puja, organised by The Bengali Club USA, was celebrated at New York’s Times Square. The two-day event featured traditional Nabami and Dashami Pujas, where devotees offered prayers to the Goddess. The celebrations also saw Sindur Khela, where married women applied vermilion to each other. The festivities concluded with a Bollywood dance musical performance. A woman who attended the event shared her experience on Instagram, adding that celebrating Durga Puja at Times Square was a dream come true for the ‘Bengali Girl’ within her.
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“The energy was both new and familiar, like a warm echo of memories I didn’t know I had. The little Bengali girl in me couldn’t contain her excitement and joy, the kind that makes your soul dance,” Sumona Seth wrote while sharing a video on Instagram.
She continued, “Growing up in New York, I was always caught between my two worlds – rooted deeply in my desi Bengali culture and traditions, yet shaped by New York City’s restless pulse.”
“ I often felt like I didn’t quite belong – I was too desi for America, too American for my South Asian folks,” Seth wrote, reflecting on her experiences.
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She added, “Finding harmony between the two seemed like an impossible dream. Celebrating Durga Puja right in the heart of New York City amongst the towering skyscrapers and busy streets – was a moment of pure love. It wasn’t just about us, the Bengali community, gathering to honour tradition. It was also about opening our hearts and sharing the joy, the grace and the celebration of Durga Puja with non-Bengalis and everyone in NYC.”
While celebrating Durga Puja at Times Square, she realised, “Maybe this balance was never meant to be perfect, but it was mine.”
“Even in my wildest dreams, I would have never imagined that Durga Puja could be celebrated at Times Square. But for the first time ever, it was right here in the heart of our city. It was a dream come true for us Bengalis. A celebration of our biggest festival at the world’s most iconic spot. It was a proud moment for our culture and our people. Happy Durga Puja to everyone,” the woman said in the video.
Watch the video here:
Here’s how people reacted to this video:
“This is truly incredible to see NYC adapt to our biggest holidays,” expressed an individual.
Another Instagram user added, “Best time of the year.”
“I’m so sad I missed it! How do we find out about such events,” joined a third.
A fourth posted, “Best of both worlds.”
“Amazing moment,” said a fifth, while a sixth chimed in, “So dope!”
A seventh posted, “What a beautiful celebration.”
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