'History has been scriped': Durga Puja goes to New York's Times Square for first time ever. Watch

The festivities featured cultural performances and, as one video depicted, a singer performing the popular Bengali song 'Dhak Baja Kashor Baja'.

As Navratri festivities unfold across India, with streets illuminated and intricate idols of Goddess Durga placed in pandals, New York City has joined in the celebration. For the first time, Durga Puja was organised at the iconic Times Square, a move that garnered significant attention both online and on the ground. The event, hosted by the Bengali Club USA on October 5-6, saw participation from a diverse crowd of Indians and Americans, creating a unique cultural blend.

Videos from the celebration, shared widely on social media, showed people from both communities enjoying the colourful festival. Attendees, many dressed in traditional Indian attire, expressed their excitement about witnessing Durga Puja in New York for the first time. One New Yorker remarked, "It is a great event as people who are not Bengali get to witness the culture," acknowledging the broader cultural exposure the event provided.

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The festivities featured cultural performances and, as one video depicted, a singer performing the popular Bengali song "Dhak Baja Kashor Baja", with the crowd enthusiastically joining in. The event, organised in the heart of Times Square, was noted for its significant turnout, reflecting the enthusiasm of those present.

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(@MeghUpdates) October 7, 2024

The celebration did not go unnoticed online either. One user commented, “Wherever we Bengalis are, we shall uphold our culture and traditions.” Another lauded the organisers, saying, “For the first time, Durga Puja was organised at the centre of Times Square, New York City. Kudos to all the Bengalis living in New York who made this possible.”

"Organizing Durga Puja in Times Square is a remarkable achievement, showcasing cultural diversity and the global reach of Indian traditions. It's fascinating how cultural festivals can transcend borders and bring people together, allowing them to experience different traditions and values. Not only the celebration of Durga Puja but also the growing Indian diaspora and their contributions to global culture," a user remarked.

Navratri, which began on October 3, is celebrated with great fervour in India. In states like West Bengal and parts of northeast India, the last five days of the festival mark Durga Puja, from Maha Shasthi to Vijaya Dashami. With the debut of Durga Puja in Times Square, this centuries-old tradition found a new global stage.