Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Religious rituals, Mahalaya observances, music, dance and a large gathering of Bengali expatriates marked the second Times Square Durga Utsav, held on October 10–11 at Father Duffy Square in New York.
The two-day celebration became a reunion for people from Bengal who travelled from different US states. Despite adverse weather, devotees and visitors participated enthusiastically, joining international tourists and people from diverse communities.
advertisement
Organised by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association, the festival had Asha Group as its event partner, with support from Apnabazar. Organisers, partners, supporters and volunteers worked together to bring the religious ceremonies and cultural programmes to life.
Crowds gathered from the opening day to attend worship and watch cultural performances. Music, dance and a special recognition ceremony continued on the second day. For many expatriates, celebrating their religious and cultural heritage at world-famous Times Square was a source of joy and pride.
Television reports captured the vibrant atmosphere through scenes of worship, dance performances set to Bengali songs, presentations by children and young people, and enthusiastic audience participation. Visitors from across the United States joined people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, turning the festival into an occasion for cultural exchange.
The organisers said 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 US ORGANISATIONS HONOURED
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of six organisations that have organised Durga Puja in the United States for at least five decades and helped preserve Bengali culture. They were Bay Area Prabasi Inc. of California; the Bengali Association of Greater Chicago in Illinois; the Bengali Cultural Society in Ohio; the East Coast Durga Puja Association in New York; Kallol in New Jersey; and Pragati in Pennsylvania.
The honours acknowledged their sustained efforts to maintain Bengali traditions, festivals and cultural activities across generations. The recognition ceremony also highlighted the importance of passing this heritage on to younger Bengalis growing up abroad.
Cultural highlights included the Dash Mahavidya dance drama and musical performances by Mekhla Dasgupta and Deyashini Roy. Performances by children and young people highlighted their connection with Bengali language, music and traditions.
Bishwajit Saha, an event organiser and editor of the festival’s souvenir publication, highlighted the contributions of individuals and organisations promoting Bengali culture internationally. Visitors also expressed their happiness at seeing their traditions celebrated in the heart of New York.
At the end of the two-day festival, association president Shashadhar Hawladar and general secretary Nirupama Saha thanked all volunteers and participants who had travelled from different parts of America. They expressed gratitude for everyone’s presence, cooperation and enthusiastic participation despite the adverse weather.
Through religious observances, artistic performances and participation from diverse communities, the second Times Square Durga Utsav celebrated Bengali heritage, harmony and the joy of coming together.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
