NEW YORK: The iconic Times Square Durga Utsav brought together Bengali expatriates, devotees, artists and international visitors at Father Duffy Square in New York on October 10–11. The event featuring religious rituals, Mahalaya observances, music and dance. the two-day festival celebrated Indian cultural heritage, Bengali rituals on a global stage. During the event six US-based organisations were honoured for preserving Bengali traditions and hosting durga pooja persistently for at least five decades.
Durga Puja Utsav at Times Square, NYC. pic.twitter.com/4FX9veo1GQ
— Rohit Sharma 🇺🇸🇮🇳 (@DcWalaDesi) October 12, 2026
Times Square hosts a celebration of Bengali heritage
Organised by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association, the festival transformed Father Duffy Square into a vibrant centre of Indian Bengali religious and cultural expression. Despite adverse weather, Bengalis and Indians from other communities travelled from different parts of the United States to participate in the celebrations, alongside international tourists.
For expatriates, the gathering offered an opportunity to reconnect with their roots while celebrating Durga Puja in one of the world’s most recognisable public spaces. Organisers, partners, supporters and volunteers worked together to facilitate the religious ceremonies and cultural programmes.
Television coverage captured scenes of worship, dance performances set to Bengali songs, presentations by children and young people and enthusiastic audience participation. Among those attending were India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan, Mario Max and senior United Nations delegates.
New York’s iconic Times Square embraces the spirit of Durga Puja as celebrations showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and festive traditions on one of the world’s most recognisable public stages.#DurgaPuja #TimesSquare #IndianCulture #IndianDiaspora #IndiaTodayGlobal pic.twitter.com/uHL5zlZdyR
— India Today Global (@ITGGlobal) October 12, 2026
Six organisations recognised for preserving Bengali culture in the US
A major highlight was the recognition of six US-based organisations that have organised Durga Puja for at least 50 years. Their sustained efforts have helped preserve Bengali religious observances, Indian traditions and cultural activities across generations.
The organisations honoured were:
- Bay Area Prabasi Inc., California
- Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, Illinois
- Bengali Cultural Society, Ohio
- East Coast Durga Puja Association, New York
- Kallol, New Jersey
- Pragati, Pennsylvania
The honours acknowledged the dedication of community organisations that have maintained Bengali traditions Their annual celebrations provide opportunities for families to preserve their cultural identity and introduce younger generations to Bengali and larger Indian customs, traditions, language and the rich art forms.
The recognition also highlighted the role of diaspora associations in ensuring the continuity of traditions on across the world and on global stage. It also reflected the strength of India’s soft power.
Navratri celebrations light up New York!
Times Square transforms into a lively Garba arena as people come together to celebrate Indian culture with vibrant colors, energetic dance, devotional music, and the divine blessings of Maa Durga. #SceneDiwali #ChaloDilli pic.twitter.com/CVn7p9CD7y
— Dr. Dileep Maurya (@drdileepjnu) October 13, 2026
Dance, music & devotional performances attract crowd
The cultural programme brought together devotional themes and artistic performances, showcasing the diversity of Bengali cultural expression. The Dash Mahavidya dance drama was among the notable attractions, while musical performances by Mekhla Dasgupta and Deyashini Roy added to the celebrations. Children and young performers also took the stage, demonstrating their engagement with Bengali music, dance and traditions.
The performances attracted enthusiastic audience participation and introduced visitors from different cultural backgrounds to the artistic richness associated with Durga Puja. Visitors and the Indian community also expressed their happiness at seeing their traditions celebrated in the heart of New York.
Across the United States, Bengali associations and religious institutions organise annual Durga pooja celebrations that help expatriates maintain their cultural connections while sharing their traditions with wider audiences. In New York State, Sanskriti, a Bengali cultural association in Buffalo, has organised Durga Puja since 1974–75. It also celebrates Kojagori Lakshmi Puja and promotes Bengali literature and traditions.
The New York Kali Mandir, established in 2005 near John F. Kennedy International Airport, supports traditional worship and community activities inspired by Kolkata’s Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Meanwhile, the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center of New York, founded in 1933, observes Durga Puja through devotional hymns and congregational singing in keeping with the spiritual traditions of the Ramakrishna Order.
