Americans revel in the spirit of the first Durga puja celebrations in New York; Watch viral videos

In a historic first, the iconic Times Square in New York City became the stage for Durga Puja, a festival deeply rooted in Bengali culture. The celebration, organized by the Bengali Club USA, attracted not only Bengali Americans but also people from diverse communities. Images and videos of the event quickly spread across social media, surprising and exciting many, especially in India.

Sumona Seth, an Indian-origin content creator, captured this moment in a viral video, expressing her emotions about attending the festival as someone with Bengali roots. Reflecting on her experience, she wrote, “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.”

Seth also shared how growing up in New York made her feel caught between two worlds—being deeply connected to her Bengali heritage but also shaped by the fast pace of New York City. “I often felt like I didn’t quite belong—I was too desi for America, too American for my South Asian folks,” she added.

Social Media Reactions to the Event

The event captured widespread attention online, with social media users pouring in their thoughts and emotions. One user commented, “Shubho Sharodiyo! This is truly incredible to see NYC adapt to our biggest holidays,” while another said, “What a beautiful celebration.” A sense of pride was palpable in many reactions, with one user stating, “Being a Bengali, I feel so proud of myself omg. We reached this point to celebrate it in that iconic place. Happy Durga Puja everyone out of the country, stay happy and healthy. God bless you all.”A post by X handle @MeghUpdates read, “History has been Scripted!!! For the 1st time, Durga puja was organized at the centre of Times Square, New York City, United States.” This sentiment resonated with users, with one commenting, “The respect and recognition Indians are getting abroad nowadays was never seen or given before,” and another adding, “It is a proud moment for all Indians to see India’s culture and civilizations being respected across the world.”

Organized by Bengali Club USA

The Bengali Club USA, which was behind the event, invited people to experience the festival in its full traditional form. They described the event as a chance to enjoy “traditional festivities, cultural performances, and a sense of community.” The celebration coincided with the ongoing festivities in India, where streets are adorned with lights and pandals housing Goddess Durga idols become a central part of the cultural landscape.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

Among the standout moments of the celebration at Times Square was a musical performance featuring the popular Bengali song Dhak Baja Kashor Baja. As the song played, people dressed in colorful traditional outfits danced around the idol of Goddess Durga. The visual of billboards lighting up the background only added to the excitement.

Another video that gained significant traction featured women performing the traditional Dhunuchi dance. The video was shared by Ruchika Jain, a well-known influencer, whose caption invited viewers to “experience traditional festivities, cultural performances, and a sense of community as we honor this cherished festival.” The fusion of the iconic location with age-old cultural traditions left a lasting impression on viewers, both in New York and around the world.

A Blend of Cultures

For many attendees, the event symbolized the merging of cultures. Several social media users shared their personal reflections on the significance of celebrating Durga Puja in a place like Times Square. “Pujo at Times Square was surreal, serendipitous, cacophonous, and splendid. Everything I had hoped it would be, and more,” one user shared, capturing the mixed emotions felt by many who were part of this historic event.

The annual Durga Puja festival is one of the most important cultural celebrations for Bengalis across the world. Primarily observed in Indian states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and Odisha, the festival has grown in popularity among the diaspora in various countries. The grand celebration at Times Square highlighted how Indian traditions continue to thrive and adapt, even thousands of miles away from their origins.

This event at Times Square added another layer of recognition for Indian culture on the global stage. For many in the Indian diaspora, the celebration of Durga Puja in one of the world’s most famous public spaces symbolized a growing respect and acknowledgment of India’s cultural heritage abroad. As Indian festivals become more prominent internationally, the blending of local traditions with global settings only further strengthens the bond between communities across the world.

Durga Puja at Times Square not only brought the vibrancy of Bengali culture to life but also served as a reminder of the power of cultural exchange and the deep connections people carry with them, no matter where they are in the world.