NEW YORK, Oct 15: The spirit of Durga Puja came alive at New York’s iconic Times Square as expatriate Bengalis celebrated the festival with religious rituals, music and dance despite adverse weather conditions.

The two-day second edition of the Times Square Durga Utsav was held on October 10 and 11 at Father Duffy Square, attracting Bengali communities from different parts of the United States as well as international tourists.

Organised by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association, the event showcased Bengali religious traditions and cultural heritage through puja rituals, devotional activities, Bengali songs and dance performances.

A major attraction on the second day was a dance drama based on the Dasha Mahavidya, or the ten manifestations of the Divine Mother.

Musical performances by artists Mekhla Dasgupta and Deyashini Roy also drew considerable attention from the audience.

The enthusiastic participation of children and teenagers added to the festivities, highlighting efforts to preserve Bengali cultural traditions among younger generations living abroad.

One of the key highlights of the event was the recognition of six longstanding Bengali organisations in the United States for their contributions to preserving Bengali culture and the tradition of Durga Puja over the past five decades.

The celebration brought together members of the Bengali diaspora on an international platform, reaffirming their cultural identity and strengthening community bonds far from their homeland.

Despite challenging weather, the festival reflected the enduring enthusiasm of expatriate Bengalis for one of their most cherished religious and cultural celebrations.