Thursday, December 19, 2024

First-ever durga puja celebration lights up New York’s Times Square

The Durga Puja at Times Square marks a significant moment for the Indian diaspora, celebrating their culture while contributing to the multicultural tapestry of New York City

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

The Indian diaspora in New York made history by celebrating Durga Puja at the iconic Times Square for the first time. Organized by the Bengali Club of the USA, the festivities took place on October 5th and 6th, drawing attention from both the local community and social media users. A portable pandal was set up at the famous landmark, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of India in the heart of the bustling city, reported in.mashable.com.

A content creator captured glimpses of the event, which quickly went viral on Instagram and other platforms.

However, the event also sparked some debate among devotees, with a few questioning whether the festivities leaned more toward a concert than a traditional religious ceremony

The celebration featured traditional rituals, live performances, and a festive atmosphere that attracted hundreds of attendees. One video even showcased a live band playing at the venue, merging tradition with contemporary entertainment.

Netizens hailed the event as “historic,” reflecting the growing influence of the Indian community in the United States. One user called it a display of India’s “soft power,” while another praised the nation’s pluralism, highlighting how such celebrations underscore America’s cultural tolerance.

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Roma Ghosh
Roma Ghosh
Roma Ghosh has recently retired as Associate Professor for Media Studies from an international university. She was with the Times of India as a correspondent for many years. Her passion is cooking and she has been doing recipes and photo shoots for Women's Era for the last 15-odd years.

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