Durga Puja Returns to Times Square October 10-11

New York : New York’s iconic Times Square is set to host a vibrant two-day celebration of Mahalaya and Durga Puja on October 10 and 11, bringing together religious rituals, Bengali culture, music and dance in the heart of Manhattan. The celebration, being held at Times Square for the second time, will feature Chandi Path, Gita recitations by children and teenagers, Durga Puja rituals, Anjali, traditional Dhunuchi dance, cultural performances and special concerts featuring popular artists from Bangladesh, India and the United States.

Organizers say the event is intended not only to celebrate the religious significance of Durga Puja but also to showcase Bengali cultural heritage on an international stage and strengthen younger generations’ connection with their cultural roots. Details of the two-day program were announced at a press conference in New York on September 27 attended by organizers, cultural leaders and community representatives.

Two days of religion, music and culture

The press conference was addressed by organization president Shashadhar Howlader, General Secretary Nirupama Saha, adviser and Cultural Association of Bengal (CAB) President Ashok Raksit, New York Bangladesh Hindu Community social worker Nabendu Dey, Vedanta Society President Rina Saha, Adda Academy Director Alpana Guha, and organizing committee officials Anupam Dey, Rohan Rawat and Soma Mukherjee.

Music Sadhana Academy Director Malabika Chatterjee, Nrityanjali Academy Director Chandra Banerjee, and priest Prabash Chakraborty also spoke at the press conference. Opening the press conference, Shashadhar Howlader said preparations were complete for the second Durga Puja celebration at Times Square.

He said one of the main objectives of the event is to preserve and showcase Bengali religious and cultural traditions abroad while helping younger generations maintain a stronger connection with their heritage.

October 10: Chandi Path, Gita recitation, music and dance

The first day, Saturday, October 10, will begin at 11 a.m. with Chandi Path by Satyam Roy Chowdhury. This will be followed by a Gita recitation by Bengali-American children and teenagers who have grown up in New York. The segment will be coordinated by Sutipa Chowdhury. Artists from Sangeet Sadhana Academy, under the direction of Malabika Chatterjee, will then present the opening musical program.

One of the major attractions of the first day will be a large-scale dance presentation featuring more than 60 performers from Nrityanjali Academy, directed by Chandra Banerjee. Artists from BAFA and Adda Academy will also take part in the dance program, bringing together performers from different generations to showcase the diversity of Bengali dance and culture. The musical program will feature popular Bangladesh and New York-based singer Shah Mahbub, while renowned West Bengal singer Meghla Das Gupta will also perform.

October 11: Durga Puja, Anjali and special concert

The second day, Sunday, October 11, will begin with Durga Puja at 10 a.m., followed by Anjali at 3 p.m. The cultural program will continue alongside the religious ceremonies, including a special Dhunuchi dance performance by artists from Nrityanjali Academy.

West Bengal singer Diyasini Roy will perform during the second day’s musical program. Another major attraction will be a special concert by Jojo Mukherjee and his band. General Secretary Nirupama Saha said renowned singer Riddhi Bandyopadhyay will also attend the celebration as a guest artist.

Bringing Bengali heritage to a global audience

Ashok Raksit, adviser to the organization and president of the Cultural Association of Bengal, described the Times Square Durga Puja as an important initiative to bring Bengalis from different parts of the world together. He encouraged Bengali communities in the New York area and beyond to participate in the celebration.

Nabendu Dey of the New York Bangladesh Hindu Community recalled the history of Durga Puja celebrations among Bangladeshi Hindus in New York. He said Bangladeshi Hindus began organizing Durga Puja celebrations in New York in the early 1990s, when many participated in pujas organized by Bengali communities from West Bengal.

Over the years, the scale of Durga Puja celebrations in the diaspora has expanded, he said, adding that the Times Square celebration has brought a new dimension to the tradition. According to Dey, the event has increasingly become an opportunity for Bengalis from different countries to come together in a spirit of community, harmony and celebration.

A focus on the next generation

Organizers say the celebration is particularly aimed at connecting younger Bengali-Americans with their cultural heritage. Through Bengali music, dance, religious traditions and language, the organizers hope to introduce younger generations to the cultural traditions associated with Durga Puja and Mahalaya. They also expect the event to strengthen social and cultural ties among Bengali communities across generations.

A major cultural event in Times Square

Organizers said Asha Group is serving as a partner for this year’s celebration. Nirupama Saha called on media organizations and social media platforms to support the promotion of the event and expressed hope for strong participation from the Bengali community following last year’s celebration.

With religious rituals, traditional performances and artists from Bangladesh, India and the United States, organizers expect the two-day program to create a colorful celebration of Bengali heritage in one of New York City’s most recognizable public spaces. They also hope the Times Square event will help expand international awareness of Bengali culture and the traditions of Durga Puja.