NRIs celebrate Durga Puja for the first time ever in NYC's Times Square

This finally happened for the NYC-based NRIs, who no longer had to celebrate Durga Puja over video chats! The Bengali Club USA held its inaugural Durga Puja celebration in Times Square on October 5-6, 2024. Instagram influencer, Ruchika Jain, also known as fireflydo, shared a video on Instagram sharing the glimpse of how the NRIs celebrated the festival. She asked her followers to join in the festivities and celebration. Ruchika described all of the ceremonies and activities scheduled for the two-day festival, which is a must-see for anybody looking to experience Indian culture in the heart of New York City.

NRIs celebrate Durga Puja in NYC

She went on to say that this was a historic event that brought people together for celebration and dedication. In the message, which she published on October 4, she said, "Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this momentous occasion—mark your calendars for October 5-6, 2024."?According to her caption, Ruchika Jain invited all NRIs to attend traditional festivities and cultural events.

Although, the people were seen celebrating the Pujo a few days prior than when the Durga puja actually begins.?

Netizens react

As soon as Ruchika posted the video, it went viral and garnered a lot of positive comments. A user wrote, “That's the spirit NYC , Joi Maa Durga,” another user wrote, Wow! This is so wholesome to watch.”

Durga Puja celebration in NYC

On October 6, the Pujo rites began with Nabami Puja and Durga Stotram, marking the festival's ninth day. This rite brought followers together in prayer to praise Goddess Durga and offer gratitude for her favours. Following that, guests took part in the Nabami Puja Anjali, a sincere offering to the Goddess that enhanced the connection between the devotees and their beliefs.

The celebrations concluded with Dashami Puja and Anjali. This moving ritual allowed followers to say goodbye to the Goddess while cherishing the memories made during the celebrations.

The historic Sindur Khela took place in Times Square. This charming rite, in which married ladies applied vermilion to each other, represented their love for the Goddess and their sisters, underlining the festival's theme of togetherness and community.

To conclude, the organisers hosted a Bollywood Dance Musical, followed by the Closing Ceremony. It was a fantastic party for everyone in NYC, bringing all of the Pujo feelings to life!