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A Navratri celebration at New York’s Times Square has sparked a debate online, with videos showing people performing Garba in ethnic outfits (Image-X/@iAkankshaP)
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News18•13-10-2026, 14:04
Times Square Navratri Celebration Goes Viral And Sparks Intense Online Debate
  • •Navratri celebrations at New York's Times Square brought vibrant Garba and traditional Indian music to an international stage.
  • •Videos of the event went viral on social media, showcasing participants dressed in colourful traditional outfits performing for Maa Durga.
  • •The footage triggered mixed reactions online, with some users praising the cultural showcase while others criticised public displays abroad.
  • •Critics questioned the appropriateness of the gathering in a major international public space and linked it to broader immigration discussions.
  • •Defenders of the event pointed out that the show was officially authorised by city officials and urged people to stop unnecessary online hate.
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Key Questions Answered

Videos showing people gathered in New York's Times Square to perform Garba and celebrate Navratri went viral, drawing mixed reactions. While some users appreciated the cultural showcase, critics questioned the presence of such public cultural displays abroad, sparking a heated online debate.

Yes, supporters of the event defended the celebrations by pointing out that it was an organised show authorised by city officials, arguing that it should not be turned into an unnecessary culture war.

During Navratri at Times Square, a magnificent pavilion was established for Goddess Durga, drawing large numbers of devotees daily to perform traditional rituals and celebrate the festival.

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