Hindu Communities Mark Multi-Location Durga Puja Celebrations With Cultural Traditions

Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga's victory over the demon king Mahishasura, is being widely observed by Hindu communities globally. In Bangladesh, the festival features rituals such as Kumari Puja, where a young girl is worshipped as a symbol of the goddess, with devotees seeking blessings for peace and prosperity. Similarly, in New Zealand, vibrant Durga Puja celebrations include cultural performances, traditional rituals, and community gatherings emphasizing unity and cultural pride. In the United States, the Bengali Association of Indiana hosts annual Durga Puja events, serving as a cultural homecoming that helps preserve traditions among second and third-generation immigrants. In Hyderabad, India, the festival incorporates traditional music, food stalls, and community engagement, highlighting both cultural heritage and women's empowerment through performances by female drummers. These diverse celebrations underscore Durga Puja's role in fostering cultural identity and community spirit among Hindus worldwide.