Times Square Durga Utsav Draws Crowds Despite Bad Weather

The second Times Square Durga Utsav brought Bengali culture, religious observances and artistic performances to Father Duffy Square in New York on October 10 and 11. Despite adverse weather, the two-day celebration attracted devotees, Bengali expatriates from across the United States and international visitors.

Organised by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association, with Asha Group as its event partner and support from Apnabazar, the festival featured Mahalaya observances, worship, music, dance and cultural programmes. For many members of the Bengali diaspora, the gathering offered an opportunity to celebrate their heritage in one of New York’s most recognisable public spaces.

Visitors participated in religious ceremonies and watched performances featuring Bengali songs, dance dramas and presentations by children and young people. The event also brought together people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, creating opportunities for cultural exchange.

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According to the organisers, the festival received greetings from Zohran Mamdani. Attendees included India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Pradhan, Mario Max and senior United Nations delegates.

Six Organisations Honoured for Preserving Bengali Culture

A major highlight of the Times Square Durga Utsav was the recognition of six US-based organisations that have organised Durga Puja for at least 50 years and contributed to preserving Bengali traditions across generations.

The organisations honoured were:

1. Bay Area Prabasi Inc., California
2. Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, Illinois
3. Bengali Cultural Society, Ohio
4. East Coast Durga Puja Association, New York
5. Kallol, New Jersey
6. Pragati, Pennsylvania

The recognition celebrated their longstanding efforts to sustain Bengali festivals, cultural activities and community traditions. It also highlighted the importance of passing the heritage on to younger generations growing up outside India.

Music, Dance and Community Participation

The cultural programme featured a Dash Mahavidya dance drama and musical performances by Mekhla Dasgupta and Deyashini Roy. Performances by younger participants highlighted their engagement with Bengali music, language and traditions.

Bishwajit Saha, an event organiser and editor of the festival’s souvenir publication, acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations promoting Bengali culture internationally.

At the conclusion of the two-day event, association president Shashadhar Hawladar and general secretary Nirupama Saha thanked the volunteers, participants and supporters who travelled from different parts of the United States. They also expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation despite the difficult weather conditions.

The festival combined religious observances with artistic expression and community recognition, reinforcing its role as a gathering place for Bengali expatriates and others interested in the region’s cultural traditions.

For more information about India’s cultural outreach in the United States, visit the Consulate General of India in New York.