Thousands Gather In Times Square For Spectacular Durga Utsav Celebration

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW YORK, NY — Times Square came alive with the colors, rhythms, and spirit of India as thousands gathered on October 2 for the Durga Utsav Celebration, organized by the Times Square Durga Utsav Association. The vibrant event united people from all backgrounds through music, dance, and storytelling in honor of Goddess Durga, marking the festive season of Durga Puja and Navratri.

The evening opened with an electrifying performance by Sumit Roy & Band, whose blend of Bengali folk, pop, and fusion music set the tone for the night. Roy’s viral hit ‘Hilsa Fish’ had the crowd dancing, while vocalist Sonia began the set with Roy’s original ‘Agomoni’ song, welcoming the Goddess. At one point, Roy left the stage to join the audience, turning Times Square into a spontaneous dance floor.

The celebration continued with a stunning performance of ‘Okal Bodhon’ by Rimli Roy & Surati for Performing Arts, featuring excerpts from their acclaimed off-Broadway production ‘Ramaavan – A Musical’. The piece depicted Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before his battle with Ravana — a ritual that inspired the autumn festival of Durga Puja.

Blending Indian classical, folk, and contemporary dance with Western theatrical elements, Surati’s ensemble transformed Times Square into a stage of devotion and creativity. The performance featured narration by Priyanjali Sen and an operatic rendition of Handel’s ‘Lascia Ch’io Pianga’ by Paulina Yeung, accompanied by dancers Harsha Harikumar and Kijana Lewis.

‘Times Square became a canvas for cultural exchange and artistic excellence,’ said Rimli Roy, Surati’s Founder and Artistic Director.

Founded in 2002, Surati for Performing Arts promotes unity in diversity through performances, festivals, and education, and is also known for producing Jersey City’s annual ‘Holi Hai – Festival of Colors’.