It is quite obvious to crave for things when they seem a little unreachable. We understand the importance of our own traditions, customs, and cultures when we are far away in some other country. And when it is about Durga Puja, the biggest Bengali festival, it can be a painful scenario when you are unable to come back to India or Bengal or Bangladesh. But the ones residing in New York do not need to worry. The Durga Pujas in New York are quite good in number and are popular among the Bengalis as well. If you are searching for Durga Pujas in New York then relax and keep on reading. In this article I have covered all the best Durga Puja in New York, so sit back and plan up. This year Durga Puja is going to be LIT for you.
Please note that the dates of the Durga Pujas in New York are not the same everywhere. So make sure you check out the respective dates with the respective authorities beforehand, where you are planning to visit this year.
14 Best Durga Puja in New York 2024
Sanskriti Durga Puja, Buffalo, New York
Location of Sanskriti Durga Puja: HCS Big Hall, 1595 N French Road, Getzville, New York
This is a non profit organization to promote the culture of Bengal. The organization was formed in 1974-1975 and they started off with celebrating Saraswati Puja. Till 1985 they were involved in Saraswati Puja celebration every year. In 1986 they decided to celebrate Durga Puja and it became very popular. Their Durga Puja is also a cultural amalgamation. There are evenings of cultural programmes and events on all the puja days. Many notable artists like Purna Das Baul and Bhupen Hazarika have performed here.
After the Puja they also celebrate the Bijoya Sammilani with much grandeur by a cultural programme of singing and dancing. They also started an annual magazine named Pratibha to strengthen the community further. Other events organized by them are Saraswai Puja, Laxmi puja, Basanta Utsav, Bijoya Sammilani. They also arrange Annual Summer and Winter Picnics and Annual Dinner for the members.
East Coast Durga Puja Association Queens, New York
Location of East Coast Durga Puja Association Queens: 1616 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park, New York
East Coast Durga Puja Organisation was the first ever organization to arrange Durga Puja in New York in 1970. It is a non profit organization. It is located in the Borough of Queens. The main aim of this organization was to promote the traditional Bengali values and Bengali culture in the United States. At first it was started by around 100 people, which has now crossed a few thousands already. Both Bengalis from India and Bangladesh are a part of this organization. All the members are very well involved in the activities during all the puja days.
The puja here is done following all traditional rituals. The Pushpanjali on Ashtami and Kumari Puja are the highlights of this Puja. Bhog arrangements are made for all visitors during the night on all puja days. Various cultural programmes are also arranged by them where talented artists perform.
New York Kali Mandir Durga Puja
Location of New York Kali Mandir Durga Puja: 614, Seaman Avenue, Baldwin, New York
The New York Kali Mandir is a Hindu Mandir and a non profit organization in New York. It was built following the Kali Temple in Dakshineswar, Kolkata. Later other gods and goddesses were also established here. The Durga Puja here is done in a proper traditional manner following the traditional rituals. The temple remains open on all days of the puja and attracts a lot of visitors.
Read More:- BEST DURGA PUJA IN LONDON
Bangladesh Hindu Mandir
Location of Bangladesh Hindu Mandir: 44th Avenue, Elmhurts, New York
The Bangladesh Hindu Mandir is managed by the Bangladeshi Hindus. It is a huge temple covering an area of 9000 sq ft. The grand architecture here is a sight in itself. The mandir is equipped with a centralized sound system and the mantras chanted here create an echo and makes a very peaceful ambience. The Durga Puja here is very popular. Bhog is served to all the devotees. Cultural programs are also arranged by the members here. Notable artists also perform here during the puja days.
For the promotion of the Hindu religion and culture the organization also hosts special weekly classes for children on Sunday in the temple premises. The Mandir timing is 9 am to 1pm and 4 pm to 8 pm on all days.
New York Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee, Franklin Square
Location of New York Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee: VFW Hall, Franklin square, New York
The New York Sarbojonin Durga Puja Committee was founded by 10 Bengali families who were settled in the US, in 1984. The main aim was to spread Bengali culture to the future generations. They are popularly known as NYSDPC. The ambience of the Durga Puja is like a homely affair. It is almost like a get together at a friend’s house. Even if the Puja is now done on a big scale and is not confined to just the members, they have still retained their homely atmosphere. Both American and Indian artists are invited here to perform in the cultural programmes organized by them during the puja days.
Vedanta Society of New York, Belur Math
Location of Vedanta Society of New York: 34, West 71st Street, New York
The Vedanta Society in New York was established by Swami Vivekananda and it was also the very first Vedanta Society. This organization is affiliated to the Ramakrishna Math in India. The Durga Puja celebration here is different from all other Durga Puja celebrations. Here the main importance is given on the traditional rituals and customs and the goddess is worshipped following all the customs in a proper way. The celebratory part is not taken care of and there are no cultural programmes. The ambience is very peaceful and almost like a temple. If someone is interested in just the rituals and a serene experience during Durga Puja then they must visit the Durga Puja in the Vedanta Society of New York.
Read More:- BEST DURGA PUJA IN PUNE India
Ramakrishna Vivekananda Centre of New York
Location of Ramakrishna Vivekananda Centre: 17 E 94th Street, New York
The Ramakrishna Vivekananda Centre of New York was established by Swami Nikhilananda in 1933. It is a branch of Ramakrishna Mission of India. This temple also maintains a summer cottage in Thousand Island Park where Swami Vivekananda stayed once. They also maintain a temple in Manhattan. The organization is based on Sri Ramakrishna’s Vedanta System. The festivals here are all celebrated on the same line as Ramakrishna Mission. The Durga Puja also is celebrated following all the rituals and customs as is done in Ramakrishna Mission. The ambience is very peaceful and serene.
Jamaica Kali Mandir
Location of Jamaica Kali Mandir: 88 – 18 Burdette Place, Jamaica, New York
Jamaica Kali Mandir was established in 2010 as a Hindu religious temple. It is open for all the devotees every day. Majorly all sorts of Hindu festivals are celebrated here. The main aim of this association is to pass on the Hindu culture and values to the future generations. From the time of its inception they have been celebrating the Durga Puja here. There are arrangements of cultural programmes in the evening on Saptami, Ashtami and Nabami. Many notable Indian as well as local artists perform here. The puja is done following all the rituals and Bhog is served to all the devotees twice a day.
Bangladesh Puja Samity, Sunnyside
Location of Bangladesh Puja Samity: Gujarati Samaj, 17315 Horace Harding Expy, Queens, New York
This group was formed by some Bangladeshi immigrants in New York in 1989. Their main agenda was to celebrate the Hindu culture and celebrate the Hindu customs and values. The Durga Puja here is like a cultural event. The members take active part in the Puja preparation and also take part in cultural programmes. Apart from the members, notable artists are also invited to perform there during the Puja days. They also organize delicious food that everyone can enjoy.
Om Shakti Mandir Woodside New York
Location of Om Shakti Mandir: 40-23, 72 Street, Woodside, New York
Om Shakti temple is a nonprofit organization. They celebrate the Durga Puja with a lot of vigor and excitement. The members here wear colour coordinated outfits to signify themselves as a part of the same team. The Durga Puja is like a grand affair where everyone joins as a family. There are cultural programmes organized during the evenings where the members participate and showcase their talents. Lunch and dinner is also served.
The organization is also involved in other activities like text reading of various religions, discussing Hinduism etc. The gate is open to people of all faiths who want to learn about Hinduism. The temple is open from 9 am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm on Sundays-Fridays. On Saturdays the timing is 9 am to 11pm.
The Hindu Temple Society of North America
Location of The Hindu Temple Society: 45- 57 Bowne Street. Queens, New York
The Hindu Temple Society of North America was established in the year 1977 on 26th January. It is a non profit organization dedicated to religious functions. It is also the first functioning Hindu temple in the USA. The atmosphere here is very peaceful. There is a restaurant downstairs as well that serves South Indian food. The members here take special classes to teach religious texts like Bhagavad Gita. Almost all the Hindu Gods and goddesses are worshipped here.
Shri Maha Kali Devi Mandir New York
Location of Shri Maha Kali Devi Mandir: 170 Van Siclen Avenue Brooklyn, New York
The Shri Maha Kali Devi Temple was established in 1998. The presiding deity here is Goddess Kali. The temple also has other deities like Suryanarayana, Bhairava, Durga, Ganga, Bhumi Devi, Krishna, Lakhsmi, Ram, Sita, Saraswati, Shiva, Ganapati etc. The Durga puja here is celebrated with much grandeur and is one of the main festivals. People from everywhere visit this temple during the puja days.
Read More:- BEST DURGA PUJA IN MUMBAI INDIA
Divya Dham Mandir Durga Puja New York
Location of Divya Dham Mandir: 34- 63 56th Street, Queens, New York
This is the biggest temple in New York that was founded by Swami Jagdishwara Nandi Ji Maharaj in 1993. This temple has an artificial Shiva Linga weighing 30 tons. There is a Shakti Peeth inside the temple with 51 forms of Devi. The Divya Jyoti inside the temple burns all day and night inside a cave. The Bengali community residing in New York celebrates Durga Puja here. The Sarbojanin Parishad of the USA organizes the puja here.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad New York
Location of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad: Gulshan Terrace, 59- 15, 37th Avenue, New York
This community is a cultural organization for Bangladeshi Hindu members. It is a non profit organization that was established in 2003. They arrange religious festivals and cultural events for the Bangladeshi Hindus residing in New York.
Everything hits you hard when you are away from home. But this year Durga Puja can be an amazing experience for you if you are in New York. Visit the best Durga Pujas in New York and experience a slice of your home, away from home. Being away from your homeland can never be replaced, but some part of it can surely be fulfilled. These Durga Pujas in New York are surely going to fill in those gaps in your life. So cheer up and plan everything because Durga Puja is just a few days away.
