It is not just Kolkata that has lit up as it celebrates Durga Puja. Several parts of the world celebrate Durga Puja every year and bring together people not just from the Bengali community, but other ethnicities as well.
However, this year, for the first time ever, Durga Puja lit up Times Square in New York, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Thousands of Indian-Americans gathered at the iconic spot to celebrate the famous festival.
According to TOI, Bengali Club USA organized this two-day event, starting with Nabami Puja, where the powerful Durga Stotras were chanted. This was followed by Dashami Puja, a heartfelt ritual where devotees bid farewell to the Goddess. And of course, they didn’t miss out on Sindur Khela – the beautiful tradition where married women playfully apply sindoor (vermillion) on each other to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Pictures and videos of the grand festivities spread all over social media, showing a colourful pandal dedicated to Goddess Durga right in the heart of the city. Countless people gathered to celebrate the divine feminine, sang and danced together, and had a wonderful time.
Have a look at some of the visuals here:
Hindus celebrated Durga Puja, Navrati & Dussehra for the FIRST TIME EVER at New York Times Square on 5th and 6th October 2024.
Durga Puja is now a UNESCO recognized Intangible Cultural Word Heritage of Humanity.
This event marks a significant cultural milestone for the entire… pic.twitter.com/z8nkl31WhB
— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) October 7, 2024
History has been Scripted !!!
For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States. pic.twitter.com/QpTRdVDsxn
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 7, 2024
Pujo at Times Square was surreal, serendipitous, cacaphonous, and splendid. Everything I had hoped it would be, and more.#DurgaPuja2024 pic.twitter.com/ss9nfMXugZ
— Sreyoshi (@ThatStatsGirl) October 7, 2024
History has been Scripted !!!
For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States.
sharing…. pic.twitter.com/SLn8aIifF4
— Samier Amritwar (@samieramritwar) October 7, 2024
Thank you, Time Square Durga Puja. You made me feel like I’m home pic.twitter.com/s16nxsf0xD
— Brendon Trutwein ⚡ (@TrutweinB) October 7, 2024
Sanatan Dharma is Beyond Any Borders !!
Durga Puja celebrated for the first time at Times Square, New York
Always Be a Proud Hindu 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5QBmZM3r2j
— Spitting Facts (@SoldierSaffron7) October 7, 2024
How wonderful it is to see a Bengali festival take over the world!