The most-anticipated recognition of Diwali as a public holiday in California is just GOV Gavin Newsom’s signature away. California would be the largest US state to celebrate the festival of lights this year, and the below list of Diwali events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento, Irvine, Dublin, and Sunnyvale would make it extra special. Temple pujas, Annakut offerings, Ramayan musicals, fireworks, cultural performances, and family activities are among the highlights of California Diwali events in 2025.

The selection of places for Diwali celebration in California is brought to you by Travel Beats, a leading portal for diaspora stories and US-India travel news by IndianEagle.com. Please note the events listed below are not our official recommendations. Wish you a very happy Deepavali (in advance) with a flat $25 discount on cheap airline tickets to India. Click here for the Indian Eagle flight discount code.

Fog Diwali Mela 2025 Fremont

The Fog Diwali Mela, Fremont is one of the largest Diwali celebrations in Bay Area, California. Organized by Festival of Globe (FOG), this all-day Fremont Fog Diwali 2025 mela offers live music, Bollywood and folk dance shows, cultural exhibits, and delicious Indian food stalls. Families can enjoy free parking, shopping booths, and kids’ activities and competitions while celebrating together in a vibrant atmosphere.

• Date: October 18, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
• Venue: Washington High School, 38442 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA
• Contact: vidyas@fiaonline.org | +1 510-491-4867
• Website: fogsv.org 

Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka Pleasanton 2025

Among Diwali events in California, the Dussehra Diwali Dhamaka of Pleasanton is the largest Indian celebration in North America, drawing over 30,000 attendees to the Bay Area. This iconic event combines the essence of Dussehra and Diwali into one unforgettable day of culture, devotion, entertainment, shopping, and community spirit.

Hosted by the Association of Indo Americans (AIA), the Pleasanton Diwali 2025 event is a celebration of Indian culture and heritage. The event program schedule features Ram Leela stage shows, Ram Mandir experience, Ravana Dahan, fireworks, Lakshmi Aarti, Dandiya, art competitions, Bollywood music and dance performances. More than 100 vendors sell Indian food, clothes, jewelry, and festive items, making it a complete cultural experience.

• Date: October 11, 2025
• Venue: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Avenue, Pleasanton, CA
• Contact: +1 510-421-3535 | bayareamela@gmail.com
• Website: www.aiaglobal.org

Sunnyvale Diwali Festival 2025

The San Francisco Bay Area Diwali events list is incomplete without a mention of Sunnyvale’s Diwali festival. Downtown Sunnyvale will light up with its annual Diwali celebration, hosted by the South Asian Cultural Association of Sunnyvale (SACAS). The 2025 Sunnyvale Diwali Festival will come alive with cultural performances, live music, rangoli displays, diya painting competition, and henna art. Families can treat themselves to authentic Indian street food while shopping at festive stalls selling jewelry, clothing, and hand-crafted items.

• Date: October 5, 2025 | Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Venue: 230 S Murphy Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086
• Contact: info@sacas.org
• Website: www.sacas.org

Also Check: Visit Ganesh and Hanuman Temple Atop Mount Madonna in California

Dublin Diwali 2025 Mela

The Dublin Diwali Mela is making its debut on the list of California Diwali events in 2025. Organized at Emerald Glen Park by TriValley Hindu Connect with support from the City of Dublin and local Indian groups, this event promises to be a rollercoaster of fun and entertainment through cultural dance, Bollywood shows, Dandiya, food stalls, crafts, and a diya lighting ceremony. It is designed to a community-driven Diwali celebration.

• Date: October 18, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Venue: Emerald Glen Park Amphitheater, 4201 Central Pkwy, Dublin, CA
• Contact: +1 408-507-2195 | dublindiwalimela@gmail.com 

Bay Area Diwali Festival Cupertino

The 23rd Bay Area Diwali Festival is a free public event that brings nearly 15,000 people to Cupertino Memorial Park. It is one of the most popular Diwali events in the Bay Area, San Francisco. Families can enjoy live classical and Bollywood performances, children’s art workshops, rangoli and diya painting, henna, cultural exhibits, and Indian food. In the evening, the community gathers for a spectacular aarti, symbolizing peace and unity that Diwali signifies.

• Date: October 11, 2025 | Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Venue: Memorial Park, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA
• Contact: info@cupertino-chamber.org | 1-408-252-7054
• Website: www.cupertino-chamber.org/bay-area-diwali/

Sacramento BAPS Temple Diwali and Annakut Celebration

If you are looking to celebrate Diwali in the traditional way, you must visit Sacramento’s BAPS Mandir for one of the most traditional Diwali events in California. Families can attend Chopda Pujan (account-book prayers) and Lakshmi Puja on Diwali day, followed by the grand Annakut festival, where a myriad number of vegetarian food dishes are offered to the deities. The temple premises is beautifully decorated with rangoli, lights, and festive displays.

• Date: Chopda Puja – October 20, 2025 | Annakut – October 26, 2025
• Venue: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 10548 Armstrong Ave, Mather, CA
• Website:
• https://www.baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/Sacramento/Upcoming-Events.aspx

BAPS Swaminarayan Temple Diwali, Los Angeles

If spiritual ambience is your interest, then the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills is one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in Los Angeles, California. Every year, the temple hosts a grand four-day celebration comprising devotional worship, cultural festivities, and community bonding making it a must-visit landmark for Diwali celebrations in Southern California. Chopda Pujan and Annakut (a sacred, diverse, culinary offering to the deities) are among the highlights of Diwali at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Los Angeles. The entire temple premises wears a festive look with diyas, rangolis, and flamboyant displays.

• Date: October 18–21, 2025
• Venue: 15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd, Chino Hills, CA
• Website: Baps.org/Global-Network/North-America/LosAngeles/Upcoming-Events.aspx

Ektaa Diwali Festival Irvine 2025

Among the best Diwali events across Southern California is Ektaa Diwali Festival in Irvine. Organized by the Ektaa Center with support from the City of Irvine, the event at Green Park features fireworks, live cultural concerts, classical and Bollywood dances, games for children, and shopping stalls. It is one of the most-awaited family events for SoCal Indians.

• Date: October 4, 2025 | Time: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Venue: Great Park Live, 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA
• Contact: info@ektaacenter.org
• Website: ektaacenter.org

Shri Mandir San Diego Diwali Mela 2025

The Hindu Mandir Society of San Diego, popularly known as Shri Mandir, hosts a vibrant Diwali Mela every year. The 2025 Diwali celebration will include Lakshmi Puja, Aarti, bhajans, cultural performances by local artists, fun activities, Bollywood dances, ethnic food stalls, and festive craft stalls. The temple becomes a hub of devotion and joy, making it one of the best places to celebrate Diwali in Southern California.

• Date: October 11, 2025 | Time: From 3:00 PM
• Venue: Shri Mandir Plaza, 9474 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA
• Contact: +1 858 566 5644 | shrimandirmela@gmail.com
• Website: www.shrimandirsandiego.org

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With Diwali having entered the New York school holiday calendar, the Festival of Lights is now a public school holiday in both New York and New Jersey. Indian families are gearing up to celebrate the festival of lights at a number of Diwali 2025 events in New York and New Jersey, from Times Square to Garden City, from Ganesh Temple to BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, and from Bhakti Center to Brooklyn Children Museum. Diwali is one of the few Indian festivals, which is celebrated with great pomp and loads of enthusiasm from America to Australia.     

Like previous years, Travel Beats, a leading community portal for Indians in the US, has compiled the best Diwali 2025 events in the East Coast US for you. If you have not planned your travel on last minute flights to India yet, you can celebrate Diwali with fellow Indians at any of the places listed below. Travel Beats is a subsidiary of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians in America.    

Times Square Diwali 2025, NYC

Times Square Diwali in New York is not just another event; it is the largest Diwali celebration in North America as described by the US media. Every year, this iconic festival lights up Manhattan with Bollywood glamour, dance, music, and fireworks. Over the years, the stage has welcomed celebrities like Shankar Mahadevan, Sukhbir, Jay Sean, and Mika Singh, who made the crowds dance to their beats.

Times Square will celebrate Diwali 2025 on 12 October. The list of celebrities and concerts has officially not been announced yet. But 2025 is the 10th anniversary of Diwali at Times Square, it is almost certain that some of the biggest names from Bollywood and beyond will join the celebration. Indians from the east coast US are looking forward to a day of dazzling performances, delicious food, and the unmatched vibe of Times Square glowing in Diwali lights.

• Date: October 12, 2025
• Venue: Times Square, New York City
• Contact: info@diwalitimesquare.com
• Website: diwalitimessquare.com/

Diwali Celebration at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple Long Island

Hindu temples in New York are among the best places for NYC Diwali events 2025. BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Long Island will celebrate Diwali and Chopda Puja on 20 October. Diwali is a most traditional celebration here, while Chopda Puja is an age-old cultural ceremony wherein Gujarati and Marwari business people close their old account books and open new ones in paper or electric form, and seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a new year as per the Hindu Calendar.

NYC’s BAPS Swaminarayan Temple at Long Island does also organize children’s Diwali celebration every year to make kids understand the significance of the festival and walk them through traditional rituals. Children learn the art of making diyas and rangolis. This is scheduled from 11 am to 6 pm on October 12 this year.   

Diwali at NY Ganesh Temple, Flushing

Sri Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devasthanam is one of the best places for traditional Diwali celebrations in New York City. Home to the first temple canteen in America, the Ganapati Devasthanam organizes Maha Lakshmi Puja through the observance of rituals such as abhishekam, homam, japam, and deepam pooja. To be held from October 18 to 20, Diwali will be followed by the Govardhan Annakut Festival on October 21 and 22 at the Flushing Ganesh Temple in New York.

Date: Diwali – October 18-20 | Govardhan Annakut – October 21-22 

Flushing Townhall Diwali 2025 in Queens

Of all Diwali 2025 events in New York, Flushing Townhall’s 11th annual Diwali festival is out and out a cultural celebration. This year, the highlight is live performances by sitar maestro Pt. Kinnar Seen ji, tabla exponent Dr. Naren Budhkar, and Kathak dancer Abha B. Roy, the Director of Srijan Dance Company. Together, they will bring the richness of Indian classical music and dance to the stage.

Learning the art of Indian cooking, among various joyous activities, from Chef Nupur Arora, the founder of Queens Curry Kitchen, is another attraction of Flushing Townhall Diwali, Queens. Block printing with Dr. Alka Mukerji, rangoli making with Dr. Anju G. Modak, henna art, and Hindi calligraphy are the other workshops that you can choose to take part in. It is one of the few ticketed Diwali events in the Big Apple; hence, advance booking is recommended.

• Date: October 18 | Time: 12 noon – 4 pm
• Venue: Flushing Town Hall Theater
• Website: www.flushingtownhall.org/event-detail.php

New York Asia Society Diwali 2025

Asia Society’s Diwali celebration in New York doubles up as a family day full of fun, joy and entertainment. Asia Society’s auditorium will throb with dance dramas, storytelling, and musical performances. Among the major programs, families can enjoy interactive segments introducing Indian traditions along with a special meet-and-greet session with Lord Ganesh. The Visitor Center will host a live rangoli workshop by artist Anushya Mamtora.

New York Asia Society’s Diwali event is a great opportunity for Indian children to get introduced to the art of rangoli, Hindi calligraphy, and other crafts. A live cooking experience and henna design sessions are also among the attractions. The eighth floor of the venue will continue to host cultural workshops and lively dance activities. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Culture Tree that promotes South Asian culture on the east coast.

• Date: October 18 | Time: 1 pm – 4 pm
• Venue: 725 Park Avenue, NY 10021
• Website: Asiasociety.org/new-york/events/diwali-lights-asia-society-2025

Saraswati Cultural Association Diwali in New Jersey

Diwali celebration by Saraswati Cultural Association of New Jersey is one of the free outdoor events for Indians in October. Founded in the late 1980s as a community-driven non-profit organization, Saraswati Cultural Association hosts Diwali and other festivals to promote Indian culture and heritage, other than raising funds for charities. You can make the most of this event by grooving to live music, enjoying Dandiya and Bhangra performances, taking part in cultural programs, relishing Indian food, and shopping for Indian items. Interestingly, entry to the event venue is free for all.

• Date: October 4
• Time: 12PM – 6PM
• Venue: Exchange Place Centre, Between Hudson St & Greene St Jersey City, NJ
• Contact: 551-358-9407

Diwali Motorcade in Queens

South Richmond Hill’s Diwali Motorcade has become a much-loved tradition, especially among the Indo-Caribbean community in Queens. The neighborhood lights up with decorated vehicles, bhajans, tassa drums, and dance troupes marching down Liberty Avenue. It’s a vibrant display of unity, faith, and joy that makes Diwali unforgettable in New York’s Little Guyana.

• Date: October 18, 2025
• Venue: Little Guyana (TBA)
• Contact: info@diwalimotorcade.com
• Website: https://diwalimotorcade.com/

Diwali Festival at Marine Park, Brooklyn

Marine Park’s Carmine Carro Community Center will host a serene yet festive evening of Diwali. The program includes a traditional talk on the festival’s significance by Pandit Ravi Doobay and a Bharatanatyam dance performance by Sloka Iyengar. It’s a beautiful way for families to experience both devotion and art in one setting.

• Date: October 18, 2025 | Time: 4 pm – 5 pm
• Venue: Carmine Carro Community Center, Marine Park, 3000 Fillmore Ave, Brooklyn, NY
• Contact: 8607123393 | reachus@marineparkalliance.org
• Website: Nygovparks.org

Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav 2025 in Somerset, NJ

This fall, SohAnika Arts presents Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav among the much-anticipated New Jersey Diwali events 2025. Shri Ramamayi Deepotsav is a grand full-length Ramayan stage musical that blends drama, classical & fusion dance, and live music, all in the spirit of Diwali’s light-over-darkness theme. The production brings together artists from the tri-state area and the Midwest, offering families a chance to deeply experience Indian myth, culture, and devotion through performance art.

• Date: October 17, 2025
• Venue: Ananda Mandir, Tagore Hall, 269 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ
• Contact: (732) 873-9794

Diwali Fest NJ 2025 in Maplewood

Maplewood Memorial Park turns into a lively cultural fair every Diwali. From Bollywood dances to live music, children’s art activities to authentic Indian food, this free event offers a slice of India in New Jersey. Out of Diwali celebrations in New Jersey, Diwali Fest in Maplewood is unmissable for families looking for a festive yet affordable celebration. 

• Date: October 25, 2025 | Time: 2 pm – 6 pm
• Venue: Maplewood Memorial Park, Maplewood, NJ
• Contact: www.diwalifestnj@somaccw.org

New York Brahma Kumaris Diwali 2025 

The Brahma Kumaris, a global spiritual organization headquartered in India, is inviting New Yorkers to their Diwali event on October 16, at their Manhattan Meditation Center. One of the free Diwali events in New York City, this year’s celebration, “Interactive Lecture Series: Re-igniting the Light Within,” is that of the human soul’s journey from darkness to light. The event will be held both online and offline and is showcased through live storytelling, live music, meditation, and inspiring reflections that intensify one’s longing for spiritual awakening in the solitude of heavenly peace and divine bliss.

• Date: October 16 | Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Venue: 306, 5th Avenue, NY 10001
• Website: https://manhattanmeditationcenter.org

The post East Coast USA Diwali Events 2025: Where to Celebrate Ghar Wali Diwali in New York and New Jersey first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

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Durga Puja is not just a festival, it’s an emotion that brings joy, nostalgia, and devotion to the deepest recess of Indian hearts, regardless of geographies. When the beats of dhaks reverberate in the air and the aroma of festive delicacies fills the atmosphere, the spirit of Maa Durga comes alive. Even thousands of miles away from Kolkata, the Bengali community of Atlanta Metropolitan Area brings Durga Utsav to life with grand celebrations.

2025 List of Durga Puja Events in Atlanta Georgia

Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta Durga Puja

When you think of the biggest Durga Puja events in Atlanta, BAGA always comes to mind. The Bengali Association of Greater Atlanta has been at the center of Durga Puja festivities for decades, drawing thousands of families from across Georgia. In 2025, BAGA will celebrate Durga Puja from October 3 to 5, turning its venue into a mini-Kolkata.

BAGA offers a perfect blend of rituals and cultural programs. Grammy Award winner Mahalaxmi Iyer, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Sourav Das, prominent Bengali Sangeet Guru Alak Roychoudhury, and music band Soumya are among the special guests to the BAGA Durga Puja 2025 in Atlanta.

• Date: October 3, 4, 5
• Venue: Mountain View High School, Lawrenceville, GA 30043
• Contact: bodchair@baga.net | 404 889 2226
• Website: www.baga.net

Pujari Atlanta Durga Puja Celebration 2025

Among the best Atlanta Durga Puja events in 2025, Pujari is known for holding one of the highly anticipated Bengali community celebrations in Greater Atlanta area. It doubles up as a platform for Bengali expats and other Indian communities to get together and celebrate the festival with a great deal of enthusiasm and grandeur. From the pandal decoration to the idols and the ambience, everything is detailed and deliberate.

The Pujari Atlanta Durga Puja schedule 2025 features an exciting lineup of cultural programs, from September 26 to 28.  The first day will see Prithibi, a renowned Bangla Band, kick off the festivity with soulful music and enthrall the audience with an electrifying performance. Celebrated singer Annwesshaa will overwhelm the audience with her melody the following day.

• Date: September 26, 27, 28
• Venue: West Forsyth High School, 4155 Drew Rd, Cumming, GA 30040, United States
• Contact: 502 291 7008 | pr@pujari.org
• Website: Pujari.org/durgapuja2025

Nandan Bengali Association of Atlanta – Durga Utsav 

The Nandan Bengali Association of Atlanta is gearing up for one of the most joyous Durga Puja events in Atlanta Metro area. This 3-day event not only brings together Atlanta’s growing Bengali community under one roof, but also recreates the festive atmosphere of Kolkata. The Nandan of Atlanta Durga Puja is a true reminder of how Bengalis across the world stay culturally nourished.

Their Durga Utsav goes far beyond rituals. You can look forward to evenings filled with energetic cultural programs, authentic Bengali food stalls, and community activities that make the event a wholesome family outing. The Nandan Atlanta Durga Puja 2025 schedule includes a much-awaited live concert by the Anupam Roy Band on October 3, promising an unforgettable evening of music and mirth.

• Date: October 3, 4, 5
• Venue: DeSana Middle School, 625 James Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004
• Contact: +1 678-899-0420 | nandanofatlanta@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.nandanatl.org/durga-puja-2025

Purbasha Durga Puja 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia  

This year, Purbasha Durga Utsav promises to be one of the most beautiful celebrations in Cumming, Georgia, as the magnificent Jamini Roy–style Durga idol will steal the show with everyone. Their puja venue will wear a traditional look that will surely transport you to Bengal’s festive streets. The event is also marking 15 years of Purbasha, a community organization known for promoting art, culture, and togetherness among Indians in the Atlanta metropolitan area.

The evenings at Purbasha Durga Puja 2025 will be packed with high-energy performances that make it one of the most exciting Atlanta cultural events for Indians. On September 26, the legendary Bengali rock band Fossils will electrify Atlanta with their debut performance in the city. The next evening, Lakkhichhara and Raju Das Baul will take the stage for a spellbinding mix of contemporary and folk music in the Band-O-Baul Night. The celebrations wrap up on September 28 with a colorful Garba Night, complete with DJ beats, dandiya sticks, and non-stop dancing that adds a Gujarati sparkle to the Bengali festival.

• Date: September 26, 27, and 28
• Venue: North Forsyth High School, 3635 Coal Mountain Dr, Cumming, GA 30028
• Contact: 858-249-8983 | purbashainc@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.purbasha.org/events-celebrations

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Bathukamma celebrations in USA are riding the waves of official recognition by several US cities and states. Integral to the cultural identity of Telugu Indians, Bathukamma coincides with the blooming of gardens across the US every fall. Telugu families in America recreate the festive spirit of Telangana, with women singing and dancing around flower stacks that rise like temple towers.

These US cities and states have recognized Bathukamma

Bathukamma has grown from a Telugu festival to one of the most vibrant Indian cultural celebrations in America. Meaning “Mother Goddess Come Alive”, it honors Goddess Parvati and symbolizes the deep connection between earth, water, and humanity. Several US states and cities including North Carolina, Texas, Georgia, California, New York, Detroit, Chicago, DMV region, and Seattle have recognized Bathukamma as ‘Festival of Life’.

Bathukamma celebrations light up wherever Telugu immigrants live in their adopted home – the US. Travel Beats, a one-stop portal for Indian Diaspora stories and US-India travel news, recommends some of the best places for Bathukamma 2025 celebrations in USA.

TTA Bathukamma Celebrations 2025 in USA

Telangana American Telugu Association (TTA) has announced its signature Nationwide Bathukamma and Dasara Celebrations 2025, making it one of the biggest Telugu festivals across the United States. This grand series of events will bring together the Telugu diaspora from coast to coast, with multiple chapters celebrating the floral festival on the same weekends. From traditional Bathukamma arrangements to folk music and cultural activities, the festivities promise to recreate the vibrant spirit of Telangana in America. Venues and detailed cultural lineups are yet to be announced. Event Schedule across the USA:

• Charlotte – September 21
• Indianapolis – September 21
• New Jersey – September 21
• Dallas – September 21
• Tampa – September 21
• Portland – September 21
• Seattle – September 27
• Arizona – September 27
• New York – September 28
• Los Angeles – September 28
• Boston – September 28
• Atlanta – October 4
• Philadelphia – October 4

CTA Bathukamma Celebrations, Charlotte, NC

Charlotte Telangana Association will celebrate its 16th annual Bathukamma & Dasara Sambaralu in Monroe, continuing a tradition that has united the community since 2009. Recognized as the biggest Bathukamma event in the Carolinas, it will showcase stunning flower arrangements, cultural performances, dandiya and kolatam dances, along with raffle prizes for the most creative Bathukamma designs.

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Venue: Sun Valley High School, 5211 Old Charlotte Hwy, Monroe, NC 28110
• Contact: 704-626-1308, contact@charlottetelangana.org
• Website: www.charlottetelangana.org

TPAD Bathukamma Dasara Sambaralu, Dallas

Telangana People’s Association of Dallas will host a grand Bathukamma & Dasara Sambaralu 2025 in Allen, making it one of the most awaited and biggest Telugu festivals in North Texas. The highlight of the evening is a live concert by SS Thaman, bringing the energy of Tollywood music to the celebrations. Alongside the floral rituals, families can look forward to cultural performances, traditional Telangana food stalls, and raffle prizes.

• Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
• Venue: Credit Union of Texas Event Center (Allen Event Center), 200 E Stacy Rd, #1350, Allen, TX 75002
• Contact: 469 401 8193 | contactus@tpadus.ord
• Website: tpadus.org

TAGC Chicago Bathukamma Celebration 2025, Illinois

The Telugu Association of Greater Chicago (TAGC) will celebrate Bathukamma 2025 at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Aurora, bringing the floral festival of Telangana to Illinois. The event will feature Bathukamma rituals, folk songs, dances, cultural programs, kids’ activities, food stalls with Telangana flavors, and a special performance by young Telugu singer Vaishnavi Nannur. With enthusiastic participation from Chicago’s Telugu-American community, it has grown into one of the most awaited Bathukamma celebrations in USA.

• Date: September 28, 2025
• Venue: Sri Venkateswara Swami Balaji Temple, 1145 Sullivan Rd Aurora, IL 60506
• Contact: batukamma@tagc.org | 903 517 9464
• Website: www.tagc.org

DATA Bathukamma Celebrations, Dallas, TX

Dallas Area Telangana Association (DATA) will host one of the most grand Bathukamma & Dasara celebrations of 2025 in North Texas. What stands out: a free-entry splash of culture with live concerts, exciting food stalls, and open-air vibrance, perfect for families. It’s a cherished festival tradition under the Dallas sky that goes late into the evening.

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Venue: Southfork Ranch, Parker, TX
• Contact: 214-534-6465 | data.telangana@gmail.com
• Website: www.dataus.org

Houston Bathukamma & Dasara 2025 Festival— TAGH, Texas

Telangana Association of Greater Houston (TAGH) will host a vibrant Bathukamma & Dasara Festival in Houston, bringing authentic Telangana culture to the heart of Texas. Though full details are pending, this event is expected to shine with traditional flower stacks, music, dance, and cultural pride.

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Venue: BH Ranch, 14149 Player St, Houston, Texas 77045
• Contact: info@tagh.org | 8325630668
• Website: https://www.tagh.org 

WATA Bathukamma Sambaralu Celebration 2025, Seattle WA

Washington Telangana Association (WATA) will host Bathukamma Sambaralu 2025 at North Creek High School in Bothell. Known for its lively community participation, this festival in Seattle brings together families who arrive with their own colorful Bathukammas, filling the venue with music, dance, and folk traditions. The event is cherished not just as a religious ritual but as a cultural celebration that bonds the Telugu-American community in Washington.

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Venue: North Creek High School, 18623 29th Ave SE, Bothell, WA 98012
• Contact: info@wataweb.org
• Website: www.wataweb.org

Detroit/Farmington Hills Bathukamma Vaibhavam 2025, MI

Detroit’s Telugu Community is gearing up for one of Michigan’s most colorful Indian festivals. The Bathukamma Vaibhavam 2025 will be held on September 27 in Farmington Hills, and it will feature Jammi Pooja, Bathukamma Ata with traditional songs and dances, cultural performances, and a Telangana-style feast. For Telugu-Americans in Michigan, this annual festival has become a signature event that not only honors their cultural traditions but also strengthens community bonds.

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Venue: Saint Toma Syriac Catholic Church, 25600 Drake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI
• Contact:  www.dtcusa.org

New Jersey’s Bathukamma Celebrations 2025

In New Jersey, Mana American Telugu Association (MATA) will bring Bathukamma 2025 to life at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords. Unlike many large-scale Telugu events, this celebration is rooted in a close-knit, family-first atmosphere where the focus is on tradition, floral rituals, and community bonding. Scheduled for September 27, 2025, it has become a favorite for Telugu-Americans in the tri-state area who cherish experiencing Telangana’s culture within their own community.

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Venue: Royal Albert’s Palace, 1050 King Georges Post Rd, Fords, NJ 08863
• Contact: info@mata-us.org | +1 888 762 – 8287
• Website: www.mata-us.ord

GTA Raleigh ‘Bangaru Bathukamma & Dasara Celebration 2025’

Raleigh’s Global Telangana Association (RTP) is bringing a touch of Telangana’s vibrant heart to the Research Triangle. The “Bangaru Bathukamma & Dasara Celebration” in Holly Springs, blends tradition with modern festivities. This is a paid-entry event, and what makes it special is the lineup of prizes for the best Bathukamma designs, including a diamond mangalsutra, gold chains, gold earrings, and silver coins. Attendees can look forward to village-style rituals, DJ music, raffles, food stalls, business booths, and a lively photo booth, making it one of the most exciting Bathukamma celebrations in USA this year.

• Date: September 21, 2025
• Venue: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs, NC 27540
• Contact: 508 496 2947 | Instagram/@gtaraleigh

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Durga Puja is one of the globally celebrated Indian festivals. Be it California, Canberra, or Canada, Indians celebrate the homecoming of Goddess Durga and her children in so grand way as if there is no tomorrow. Especially Bengalis don’t mind borders or bounds when it comes to nourishing their cultural roots and celebrating their festive traditions this time of the year. With Bengali Indians growing in numbers, California has become home to some of the best Durga Puja events in USA.

As the beats of dhak have started resonating in the air; the fragrance of Sheuli flowers has started filling the atmosphere, Indian Eagle – the most trusted travel-booking partner of Indians in USA – recommends the following best places for Durga Puja 2025 events in California.

Los Angeles Durga Puja: Dakshini Bengali Association, CA 

Dakshini Bengali Association, California hosts one of the biggest Durga Puja events 2025 in the Greater Los Angeles Area. A nonprofit, charitable, cultural organization; Dakshini Bengali Association has a great lineup of events including live concerts to enthrall the audience during the celebration. Among the performing artists on the guest list is Abhijeet Bhattacharya, an Indian playback singer, who will perform on October 11. Another live performance by the Anupam Roy Band is scheduled on October 10. Both are ticketed shows at Dakshini.  

• Dates: October 10, 11 and 12
• Venue: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Manhattan Beach Boulevard, LA County
• Contact: Communications@dakshini.org, +1 310-344-1804

Also Read: Amazing Things to Know about Durga Puja

Bay Area Prabasi Durga Puja 2025

Bay Area Prabasi, a nonprofit Bengali Cultural Organization in Alameda County, is hosting the biggest Durga Puja celebration in North America this year as a mark of the community’s 52nd anniversary. Famed for one of the oldest and best Durga Puja events in California, Bay Area Prabasi is known for its simplicity and sophistication rather than extravagance.

On October 3, Bay Area Prabasi Durga Puja will present the most popular Jodi No. 1 competition with Rachna Banerjee. On the evening of October 4, you can dance to the nostalgic tunes of the 90s Retro Bolly concert with Abhijeet Bhattacharya. Another enthralling experience awaits on October 5 with a live performance by Rupankar Bagchi.

• Dates: October 3, 4, and 5
• Venue: Santa Clara Fairgrounds, 131 Old Tully Road, San Jose CA 95111
• Contact: info@prabasi.org, 626-277-7932
• Website: Prabasi.org

BASC Durgotsav 2025, Southern California

BASC, the Bengali Association of Southern California, hosts one of the best Durga Puja celebrations in California. A nonprofit philanthropic organization in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, BASC is among the few best places to catch up with Indians and indulge in Bengali culture during Durga Puja away from home. 

On October 3, the first day of the puja celebration, the Bengali Association of Southern California will present an unforgettable evening with Fossils, an iconic Bengali rock band. On October 4, a live performance by the legendary Kailash Kher will bring soulful renditions of songs like Allah ke Bande and Saiyaan, which have touched millions of hearts for years.

On October 18, the first day of the puja, the Bengali Association of Southern California will present an unforgettable evening with Nandy Sisters, the social media sensation duo in playback singing. A live performance by Sukhwinder Singh will make you grove to hit Bollywood numbers on October 19.

• Dates: October 3, 5, and 5
• Venue: Bridges Auditorium, 450 N College Way, Claremont, CA 91711
• Contact: info@bascweb.org, 714-342-5266, +1 626-390-1224
• Website: bascweb.org

Also Read: How Goddess Kali Came to California from Kolkata

Pashchimi Durga Puja 2025, Bay Area

Wondering where to celebrate Durga Puja in the San Francisco Bay Area? One of the most popular California Durga puja events 2025, Bay Area Pashchimi upholds the best of Bengali culture and traditions this time of the year. Founded in 2004 as a nonprofit organization, Pashchimi has teamed up with Children International for this puja. Children International strives to provide underprivileged girl children with seamless access to education in India. Pashchimi Durga Puja is known for its adherence to age-old traditions.

• Dates: September 27 to October 1
• Venue: Oasis Palace Restaurant, 35145 Newark Blvd, CA
• Contact: contact@pashchimi.org, 408-883-5304
• Website: Pashchimi.org

Santa Clara WomenNow Durga Puja, Bay Area

Of Bay Area Durga Puja events 2025, WomenNow TV’s Durga Utsav in Santa Clara is a unique, all-women celebration. Inspired by the idea of celebrating the collective power of women in real life, WomenNow TV’s CEO Ena Sarkar and her team organize the festivity every year. Ena Sarkar, the founder and CEO of WomenNow TV, a South Asian talk show, is at the helm of this California Durga Puja. Their celebration starts with pushpanjali on Maha Ashtami and ends with sindoor khela on Maha Dashami. The outdoor event features shopping markets, street food stalls, and cultural activities including Dandiya nights.

Read our exclusive article on Santa Clara Durga Utsav by WomenNow TV.

The festivities will begin with a Royal Rass Dandiya evening on September 26. On September 27 and 28, there will be cultural and devotional events such as Saptami and Ashtami Pujo, Royal Ball DJ Night, Royal Fashion Show, Parama Awards, Sindoor Utsav, Nabami and Dashami Pujo, along with other cultural celebrations.

• Dates: September 26, 27 and 28
• Venue:21840 McClellan Road, Cupertino
• Contact: info@womennow.tv, +1 510-364-4271

Los Angeles Durga Puja 2025: Valley Bengali Community

Valley Bengali Community’s Durga puja is another grand celebration in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Musical evenings are a highlight of the event, and 2025 marks 10 glorious years.  The 10th Durgotsav by the Valley Bengali Community will see soulful performances by Joy–Lopa Express on September 26, Surojit O Bondhura on September 27, and Madhubanti Bagchi on September 28. All three evenings will see the best of classic and contemporary music.

• Dates: September 26, 27 and 28
• Venue: Canoga Park High School 6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Canoga Park 91303
• Contact: vbc@valleybengali.org, 818-564-6592
• Website: Durga.valleybengali.org

SAIKAT Durga Puja 2024, San Diego

Among Southern California Durga Puja events, SAIKAT Durgotsav 2025 has a great lineup of cultural programs, including a melodious evening, a dance drama, a stage play and other performing arts by different age groups. SAIKAT, the Bengali Association of San Diego, is an active philanthropic organization volunteering hours for and contributing to charities. On the occasion of Durga Puja, SAIKAT releases an annual magazine giving space to their community members’ literary and creative writeups.

• Dates: October 4 and 5
• Venue: San Pasqual High School, San Diego
• Contact: ec@saikat.org
• Website: Saikat.org

Also Check: What Makes Travel to Kolkata Cheaper and Better

Baybasi Durga Puja 2025, Foster City

This year marks the 17th year of BayBasi organizing one of the best Durga Puja events in the Bay Area. Their handmade pandal set against the panoramic view of a lagoon in the backdrop is a must visit. A leading non-profit organization of Bengalis in Foster City, BayBasi has a crowd-pulling schedule of cultural programs including Dandiya Night on September 26. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s music director, composer, singer and mentor Rathijit, along with the soulful Shreya Ghosal and talented musicians, will perform on September 28 at BayBasi Durga Puja 2025.

• Dates: September 26, 27 and 28
• Venue:The Vibe Teen Center, 670 Shell Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404
• Contact: +1 650-489-8139 | baybasi@baybasi.us
• Website: Baybasi.us

Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple Durga Puja 2025

The Vedanta Society of Southern California organizes Durga Puja at the Santa Barbara Temple every year. Founded in 1956 and consecrated to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple deserves a mention for its absolute devotion to Goddess Durga in compliance with the rituals and traditions followed by Belur Math in Bengal. Unlike other Durga Puja events in California, the Santa Barbara Vedanta Temple’s Durga Puja celebration is known for its simplicity. The serene location of the temple in a scenic mountain range overlooking the Pacific Ocean is another pull.

• Dates: September 27 to October 2
• Venue: 927 Ladera Ln, Montecito, CA 93108
• Contact: santabarbara@vedanta.org, 805 969 2903
• Website: Vedanta.org/santa-barbara-temple/

NorCal Bengali Association Prothoma Durga Puja 2025, Bay Area

The Northern California Bengali Association of Silicon Valley is one of the best places to enjoy Durga Puja events in the SF Bay Area. More than 100 members of the community prepare the culinary offering (bhog) for Goddess Durga and her children. Various cultural performances including dhunuchi naach and Prangon dance are lined up as part of the schedule at NorCal Prothoma Durga Pujo 2025. The women members of NorCal Bengali Association will perform a Prangon dance to welcome Maa Durga.

Lakkhichhara Band featuring Raju Das Baul will set the stage on fire with their dynamic performance on September 26. On September 27, playback singer Mahalakshmi Iyer will captivate the audience with her soulful voice after NoCal Bengali Association presents Devi – a Broadway-style dance show by classical dancers across the US. The celebration will conclude on September 28 with an electrifying act by Anirban Bhattacharya and Hooliganism. The women members of NorCal Bengali Association’s Prothoma will perform Agomoni dance to welcome Maa Durga

• Dates: September 26, 27 and 28
• Venue: HUSD Performing Arts Center, Hayward, 2390 Panama Street, CA 94545
• Contact: +1 408-940-6846
• Website: Norcalba.org

The post Details of California Durga Puja 2025: Know Where to Celebrate in Bay Area and Southern California first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Details of California Durga Puja 2025: Know Where to Celebrate in Bay Area and Southern California appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Durga Puja is one of the grandest and most-awaited Indian festivals. It is a most spectacular celebration in the Indian state of Bengal. However, the festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm wherever Bengalis are in the world. About two dozen of Durga Puja events in New Jersey and New York transform the northeast cost into a mini Bengal with cultural exuberance this time of the year. Bengali associations across New York and New Jersey started preparations months ago, so the festivity does not fall short of joy and happiness in their adopted home. They can live away from home, but can’t survive without the blessings of Maa Durga, the bliss of bhoger kichudi, the beats of dhak, and the ecstasy of dunuchi naach.

Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal by Indian Eagle, recommends some of the best places for Durga puja 2025 in New York and New Jersey.  “Elo re Dugga elo re…” 

Times Square Durga Puja, New York

After the historic debut of Durga Puja celebration at Times Square in 2024, the divine celebration is back this year. Usually, Times Square is a popular venue for Diwali, Yoga, and Indian Independence Day celebrations. Unlike other Durga puja events in USA, the 2-day Times Square Durga Puja is a free event for all, regardless of their nationality and religion. It is being organized by Bengali Club of USA .

• Date: October 1 and 2
• Contact: contact@timessquaredurgapuja.org, +1315-586-3372

Sanskriti Durga Puja 2025: Buffalo, New York

Sanskriti, a Bengali cultural association in Buffalo, is one of the best and oldest Durga Puja celebrations in New York. Founded in 1974-75, the Sanskriti Durga Puja is a cultural platform for the present generation of Bengali Diaspora in the northeast US to have a tryst with their heritage, literature, and traditions thousands of miles away from India. Sanskriti also celebrates other festivals with equal enthusiasm. They also organize Kojagori Lokkhi puja at the same venue.

Sanskriti will organize a Bijoya Dinner on the last day of the puja. On October 4, the Sanskriti Buffalo Durga Puja committee will host a Bijoya sommelani and a live performance by Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame Sneha Bhattacharya at Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center, Williamsville, Renaissance Drive. Earlier, their event was graced by such renowned performing artists as Purna Das Boul and Bhupen Hazarika.

• Dates: September 26, 27, 28
• Venue: Hindu Cultural Society, Big Temple Auditorium, 1595 N French Road, Getzville, NY 14068
• Contact: president@buffalosanskriti.org, +1 623-499-2329
• Website: Buffalosanskriti.org

New York Kali Mandir Durga Puja, Baldwin

New York Kali Mandir located close to JFK International Airport is the destination if you wish to celebrate Durga Puja in the most traditional manner. Inspired by the Dakshineswar Kali Temple of Kolkata, NYKM is home to Goddess Kali worshiped by Bengalis and other Indian communities. Founded in 2005, the temple doubles up as a community organization and helps preserve the age-old Bengali cultural traditions in New Yok Metropolitan Area. The temple has a well-stocked library for all age groups. Those interested in volunteering can serve the temple this Durga Puja.    

• Dates: September 27 to 30
• Venue: 614 Seaman Ave, Baldwin, NY, 11510
• Contact: nykmdevotee@gmail.com, +1 516-771-5254
• Website: Nykalimandir.org

Also read: Sanyal Brothers Offer Best Kolkata Street Food with Chai in New York

Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center of New York

Durga Puja at the Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center of New York for the followers of the Ramakrishna order is among the best Durga puja celebrations in the Greater New York Area. Founded in 1933, the center organizes the puja to worship the Divine Mother and seek Her blessings for humankind. The chanting of sacred hymns and the singing of devotional songs in chorus are the mainstay of their celebration without pomp and in strict adherence to the principles laid out by Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramakrishna Missions worldwide.     

• Dates: To be announced
• Venue: 17 E 94th St, New York, NY 10128
• Contact: (212) 534-9445
• E-mail:  rvcenternewyork@gmail.com
• Website: Ramakrishna.org

East Coast Cultural Association Durga Puja, NY

The East Coast Cultural Association, one of the youngest communities in New York, has planned a spectacular Durga puja celebration this year to mark its third anniversary. Founded in 2022, the non-profit Bong organization strives to create the ambience of parar pujo in Kolkata through a grand display of traditional Bengali culture, ranging from mouthwatering dishes to live music programs, at their puja venue. The schedule of ECCA Durga Puja 2025 includes three musical evenings by Sneha Bhattacharya on SEP 26, Madhubanti Bagchi on SEP 27, and Albert Kabo Lepcha on SEP 28.

• Dates: September 26, 27, 28
• Venue: Gujarati Samaj Hall, 17315 Horace Harding Expy, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
• Contact: eastcoastcultural@gmail.com
• Website: Eccany.com

Utsov Durga Puja 2025 in New Jersey

Utsov Inc. is known for one of the biggest Durga Puja events in New Jersey. Their celebration, both traditional and contemporary, has a number of ‘wow’ factors – delectable Bengali food, Sindoor Khela, Dhunuchi dance, cultural programs, and art competition for kids. East Brunswick near Edison is the location of their puja venue that will turn into a Disneyland of festivities and revelry for two days as Utsov Inc. has invited the powerhouse voice of Bengal, Rupankar Bagchi, and the sensational Indian singing duo, Nandy Sisters (Ankita and Antara).

Legendary Lakkhichhara and Raju Das Baul – who are the titans of Bengali rock – will churn out popular Baul music and take the exuberance of NJ Utsov Durga Puja celebration to the fever pitch on OCT 5. Prior registration is compulsory to enter the venue and attend the live events.

• Dates: October 4 and 5
• Contact: 201 787 6861 or 516 519 1434, utsov@utsov.org
• Venue: Jo Ann Magistro Performing Arts Center, 200 Rues Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 
• Website: Utsov.org

Also read: Indian Food is a Pure Bliss at This Temple Kitchen in New York

Garden State Puja Committee’s 44th Durga Puja in New Jersey

One of the oldest and biggest Durga Puja events in New Jersey is organized by the Bengalis of Garden State Puja Committee, Jersey City. GSPC Durga Utsov 2025 will celebrate its 44th anniversary over foot-tapping numbers of the most popular bands, Euphoria on 4 OCT and Fossils on 5 OCT. Bongobhoj – a traditional Bengali food fare – is the mainstay of their celebration.

The pandal modelled on thakur dalan, a distinct feature of mansions dating back to the feudal era of Bengal, has already been shipped from Kolkata to New Jersey. This is the biggest attraction of GSPC Durga Puja in Jersey City.

• Dates: October 3 to 5
• Venue: William L. Dickinson High School, 2 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
• Contact: +1 201-993-4577 | info@gardenstatepuja.org
• Website: gspcnj.com

New Jersey Kallol Durga Puja 2025  

Among the Durga Puja celebrations in New Jersey, Kallol Durga Puja hits the headlines every year. Of the oldest Bengali organizations in the northeast coast, Kallol will transform Somerset into a mini City of Joy with cultural and musical extravaganza for 4 days, SEP 25 to 28.

Raj Burman will make the audience groove to his hit numbers on September 25, while Silajit Majumder will set the stage on fire with his soulful songs on September 26. Anirban & Band Hooliganism will take over the stage on September 27 and their foot-tapping performance will make the evening unforgettable. Kallol New Jersey Durga Puja in 2025 will be a rollercoaster ride of fun and joy over music by Sambuddha Chatterjee and Amit Kumar on September 28.

• Dates: September 25 to 28
• Venue: Ukranian Cultural Center, 135 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey 08873
• Contact: 732.290.5218
• Website: Kallol.com

Also read: Why Bengal worships living goddesses during Durga puja

Agrani Durga Puja, Plainfield NJ

Agrani Durga Puja in Plainfield near Edison is one of the 10 best Indian events in New Jersey in October 2025. Like WomenNow TV’s Durga Puja in California, the women members of Agrani NJ organize the puja, from fabulous feasting to cultural extravaganza. Equally popular with the Bong and non-Bengalis in Central New Jersey, Agrani Durga Puja promises to be an exhilarating experience for music connoisseurs. Antara Mitra, a renowned Bollywood playback singer, will set the stage on fire on October 4. 

• Dates: October 4 and 5
• Venue: 730 Central St Plainfield, NJ 07062 United States
• Contact: Info@agranicnj.org

Alor Benu Durga Puja in Edison, NJ 

The ‘Ekchala’ style Durga idol is the main attraction of this humble celebration by a few Bengali families in Edison, NJ. This is more a gharoa (homely) puja than a community puja. The festive evenings from September 26-28 will see various cultural indulgences by the organizers and their families. The puja schedule is chock-a-block with traditional rituals from pushpanjali to the Goddess in the morning to dhunuchi naach in the evening to a family dinner at night.

• Dates: September 26, 27 and 28
• Venue: 2 Farmhaven Avenue, Edison, NJ 08820
• Contact: aamantran@aalorbenu.net, (908) 294-1954

New Jersey Ananda Mandir Durga Puja 2025

Durga Puja at Ananda Mandir in New Jersey is a most traditional one. Hundreds of New Jersey Indians throng the shrine to immerse themselves in festive revelries for five days. New Jersey Ananda Mandir is one of the few Hindu temples in USA that follows the Bengali calendar precisely for celebrating Durga Puja and other festivals. The temple that also doubles up as an Indian cultural center was commissioned in 1995 and completed in 2003. You may need to pre-register online. On successful registration, you would receive a confirmation email, which you can show to the volunteers at the temple complex.

• Dates: September 27 to October 2
• Venue: 269 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873-5212
• Contact: (732) 873-9821 or info@anandamandir.org
• Website: Anandamandir.org

Garden State Cultural Association: Plainfield, NJ

Among the best places for Durga Puja 2025 in New Jersey, Garden State Cultural Association (GSCA) is gearing up for their 34th year of the celebration. GSCA, a nonprofit Indian American organization of Bengalis in Plainfield, leaves no stone unturned to make Durga Puja a grand get-together of not only Bengalis but also other Indian communities over delicious food, shopping, and cultural entertainment. The interesting lineup of events include talent shows and drawing competitions.

Registration is compulsory to attend the celebration, especially cultural programs. You can register on their website given below. Popular Indian singers Jayati Chakraborty, Avishek Sinha, and Shreyasi Bhattacharjee are among the eminent guests this year.  

• Dates: October 4 and 5
• Venue: Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, 5 Kent Lane East Windsor, NJ-08520
• Contact: (908) 367-3322 or contact@gsca.us
• Website: web.gsca.us

Also Read: Payal Saha’s Kati Roll from Kolkata Rocks in New York

Bengali Cultural Society Durga Puja: South Jersey

In New Jersey, Bengali Cultural Society’s Durga Puja celebration is a lot more than food, fun and frolic. Rather, it mirrors the rich cultural heritage of Bengal on the American soil. Founded in 1978, Bengali Cultural Society is not just one of the oldest Bengali diaspora associations but a philanthropic organization too. They publish their own magazine Sanskriti every year and run a Bengali language school for their young ones and those interested in learning the language. Each day of the puja will culminate in an authentic Bengali community dinner.

You can check out their extensive menu for festive bhuribhoj on their Facebook page. Grammy Award winner Mahalaxmi Iyer, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winner Sourav Das, Bengali folk singer Poushali Banerjee, and music composer and singer Ranajoy Bhattacharjee are among the special guests for this year’s Durga Puja event at BCSSJ.

• Dates: October 3, 4, 5
• Venue: Indian Cultural Center, 820 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ 08053
• Contact: info@bcssj.org
• Website: Bcssj.org

New Jersey Bharat Sevashram Sangha Durga Puja

The New Jersey chapter of Bharat Sevashram Sangha celebrates Durga Puja to worship the Supreme Power of the universe. The chanting of slokas and hymns reverberates in the air of the ashram temple on the five days of Durga Puja. Devotees can soak in numinous vibes that the ambience is rife with this time of the year. Bharat Sevashram Sangha is one of the few places where all the rituals of Durga Puja are strictly followed in compliance with the scriptures. Devotees are requested to pre-register for the puja.

• Dates: September 20 and 21; September 28 to October 2
• Location: 3490 Route-27 Kendral Park, New Jersey 08824
• Contact: 732 422 8880/ 347 735 2984 | devotees@sevashramsangha.org
• Website: sevashramsangha.org

Trinayani Durga Puja in Plainsboro, New Jersey

A non-profit organization established in 2022 with the aim to promote India’s rich art and culture, Trinayani is eyeing a theme-based Durga Puja celebration in a grander fashion this year. In its inaugural year (2022), Trinayani was the first and only one to have worshipped the protima (idol) made by Prabasi Bengalis among the community members. The Bong being great foodies complement their festivities with sumptuous food.

The musical acts to be performed by Rathijeet and Anweshaa, on October 4 and 5 respectively, will make you not only groove to live music but also feel nostalgic. You may contact Trinayani for registrations.

• Dates: October 4 and 5
• Venue:5 Adams Ct Plainsboro NJ 08536
• Contact: contact@trinayaninj.org  
• Website: www.trinayaninj.org

PBA Agomoni and Durga Puja 2025

Princeton Bengali Association in New Jersey will invoke Maa Durga on Mahalaya (September 21) through their ‘Agomoni’ program and celebrate Durga Puja on October 20 in West Windsor. Dhunuchi naach, Sindoor khela and other traditional rituals are the hallmarks of their humble celebration. Rishi Panda, a popular YouTuber and singer, has been invited for a musical evening at PBA Durga Puja in New Jersey. The event is free for kids (5 years and below).

• Date: September 21
• Venue: Dutch Neck Elementary School, 392 Village Rd E, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550, USA
• Contact: pbanj.org

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The post These Durga Puja Events in New York and New Jersey Turn East Coast into a Mini Bengal This Time of Year first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post These Durga Puja Events in New York and New Jersey Turn East Coast into a Mini Bengal This Time of Year appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

India is all set to celebrate the 78th Independence Day this August 15, and so are Indians in America. The way Indians abroad celebrate the Independence of Mother India is no way different from the celebration at home. Hence, like previous years, the calendar of August 2024 is full of Independence Day events for nearly 5 million Indian-origin population in the United States.

This exclusive list of major Indian Independence Day 2024 events in USA is brought to you by Travel Beats, a leading community portal for the Indian Diaspora in America. Travel Beats is a subsidiary by Indian Eagle, the most-trusted travel-booking partner for Indians in America. These events not only celebrate the Independence of Mother India, but also Indian Americans’ roots, culture and pride of being desi to the core.

New York India Day Parade 2024

The New York India Day Parade is a special mention among the Indian Independence Day events in the United States. Scheduled on 18 August 2024, the parade will kick off at 12 noon from 38^th Street at Madison Avenue and feature a spectacular Ram Mandir tableau. Billed as the largest Indian Independence Day event outside of India, the NYC India Day Parade promises to be a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and heritage in the heart of New York City, with a great lineup of performances by different age-groups.

Actor Pankaj Tripathi is the Guest of Honor at the 42^nd Indian Day Parade NYC. Famed for his power-packed performances in Indian Cinema and web series, Tripathi’s presence is sure to add an extra spark to the much-awaited event. Organized by the Federation of India Association (FIA), the patriotic event was graced by spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar from Bengaluru in 2023. As important as the Diwali holiday in New York City, the India Day Parade follows FIA’s Empire State Building lighting, a must watch.

Atlanta Festival of India 2024

Since India’s 50th Independence Day, the Indian American Cultural Association of Atlanta has been organizing the Festival of India as one of the biggest Indian Independence Day events in USA. Scheduled on 17 August 2024, the 28^th Atlanta Festival of India will take place at Gas South Arena in Duluth, some 28 miles from Atlanta, GA. With music, feasting, shopping, yoga, chess, dance and artistic displays, the Festival of India – Atlanta is a ticketed event. You can look forward to a day of patriotic fervor at the cultural event sponsored by Delta Airlines and others.

Boston India Day Festival 2024

Organized by the Indian Association of Greater Boston, India Day Festival is one of the major events for Indians in New England, MA. Scheduled on 17 August, the IAGB’s India Day 2024 will celebrate 77 years of Independence with ‘Naach: Rhythms of the World’ at Hatch Shell Memorial, from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. ‘Naach: Rhythms of the World’ is highly anticipated to be a vibrant cultural program featuring music and dance performances by various Indian communities from New England. In 2023, the Indian Association of Greater Boston honored some trailblazers and achievers from the local community. You can visit www.iagb.org for more information about this culturally immersive event in Boston.

Fremont FOG India Day Parade, California

Of all the Indian Independence Day events in the US, Fremont’s FOG India Day Parade is a two-day celebration scheduled from 10 am on 17 August to 6 pm on 18 August. Sponsored by Air India and supported by the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, the 32^nd Festival of India in Fremont CA promises a comprehensive exploration of Indian culture, arts, craft, fashion, food and literature. The fair or mela with over 120 booths and exhibits that local Indian businesses put up to showcase their diverse merchandise is a major attraction of FOG India Day Parade and Festival at 39439 Paseo Padre pkwy in Fremont.

Los Angeles India Independence Day 2024

Other than looking forward to the upcoming Air India flights from LAX to India, SoCal Indians are eagerly waiting for the Independence Day event 2024 by the India Association of Los Angeles (IALA). Scheduled on August 24 (5pm – 10pm PDT), the 25^th Indian Independence Day will take place at Hjelte Sports Center, Burbank Blvd, Encino, CA 91436. The Guests of Honor are Dr. Srikar Reddy, the Consul General of India in San Francisco, and Congressman Brad Sherman. Since 1999, Los Angeles’ India Independence Day Celebration has been fostering unity and pride among Southern California Indians through music, dance, food, and artistry.

Venue: Hjelte Sports Center, Burbank Blvd, Encino, CA 91436

Illinois India Day Parade 2024

If you are looking to having a fun-filled day this Independence Day, you can mark 11 August on your calendar for the India Day Parade 2024 in Naperville, Illinois. One of the biggest events for Indians in the Midwest US, the India Day Parade will have its 10^th anniversary celebrated in a grander way this year. Organized by the Indian Community Outreach Organization, the most-anticipated event features an array of food, fun, fashion, other than dazzling fireworks, electrifying music, and mesmerizing dance performance.

A colorful, mile-long parade with decorated floats is the mainstay of the India Day Parade that will take place at Rotary Hill, 440 Aurora AVN, Naperville, which is a one-hour drive from Chicago. A live concert by Shankar Mahadevan, whom Bollywood’s music composer duo – Salim-Sulaiman – will accompany, will mark the 10^th anniversary of the event.

Michigan India Day 2024

Every year, Indians of Michigan get together to celebrate the Indian Independence Day as India Day in Novi, only 25 miles away from Detroit. Scheduled on 17 August (11 am – 8 pm), the India Day 2024, organized by the India League of America (ILA), is more or less the same as other Indian Independence Day events in the Midwest US. With traditional Indian food, dance and music, the India Day in Novi, MI will surely immerse you in the colors and flavors of India. Dalip Singh Rana aka the Great Khali, a renowned Indian American wrestler, is the chief celebrity guest this year.

Venue: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374

Indian Independence Day in Loudoun County, Virginia

Anna Sudha Community Kitchens, a non-profit that runs a licensed kitchen and provides free meals to shelters, is organizing the Indian Independence Day festival in Loudoun County, VA. Among all upcoming Indian events in Virginia, the 78^th Indian Independence Day will be celebrated through interesting displays of India’s rich culture and heritage.  Reportedly, a spectacular show on the cultural festivals celebrated across India is also part of the event schedule.

Scheduled on 17 August (11am – 5;30pm ETD), the event programs include a Kuchipudi dance performance by Bharata Mallika, a Bharatanatyam dance drama by Tapasya School of Dance, and a Bollywood dance performance by Nehas Thumkas Dance Academy. The venue is Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dallas Town Circle, Virginia.

India Independence Day Festival, Florida

The Association of Indians in America’s Florida Chapter is gearing up for the India Independence Day Festival in Fort Lauderdale on August 18. One of the major events for Indian immigrants in Florida, the Independence Day Festival is a much-awaited occasion to bask in the glory of the home country, soak in the patriotic vibes, and pay a tribute to Mother India. Cultural programs, delicious Indian food, ethnic fashion, and patriotic music are the main draws of the event. Interested visitors can visit AIAFL.org for more information.

Venue: Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33312

Jai Ho! Indian Independence Day near Austin, TX

Jai Ho! India Independence Day in Round Rock near Austin is the biggest patriotic celebration in Texas, home to the second largest Indian-origin population in the US. With a free concert by Bollywood singer Shilpi Paul, Jai Ho! India Day promises a musical evening from 6pm to 9pm on 17 August 2024. Indians in and around Austin are enthusiastically looking forward to watching or participating in the state parade that will be followed by the musical evening. The state parade will commence with the national anthem of India and the US. Scheduled to take place at Centennial Plaza in Round Rock, this is one of the few free events among Indian Independence Day celebrations across the USA.

Brought to you by Indian Eagle Travel, the above listing of the Indian Independence Day celebrations in USA is neither sponsored by any of the event organizers, nor endorsed by us.

The post Soak in Patriotic Vibes at 10 Best Indian Independence Day Events across USA in August 2024 first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Soak in Patriotic Vibes at 10 Best Indian Independence Day Events across USA in August 2024 appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

After having witnessed the Ram Temple’s groundbreaking ceremony on giant billboards, the iconic Times Square is all set to celebrate moments of New York Indians’ pride and patriotism this August 15. In a first, a leading diaspora group will celebrate the Indian Independence Day 2020 in New York by unfurling the Tricolor in all its glory at Times Square. Randhir Jaiswal, the Consul General of India in New York, will be presiding over the ceremony as the guest of honor.

“The first-ever Indian flag hoisting ceremony at the Times Square will create history thousands of miles away from India this August 15, and it’s a fitting tribute to the country where we are deeply rooted in,” said the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), a tri-state diaspora group of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The illumination of the Empire State Building in saffron, white, green – the symbolic hues of the Tricolor – is an annual tradition in New York. This tradition will be observed this year too, on the eve of the first-ever Tricolor hoisting ceremony at the Times Square, the FIA spokesperson confirmed in a media statement. Notably, the Empire State lighting ceremony is too spectacular to be missed.

The Times Square is very much a part of Indian life in New York City. It is not just a favorite haunt of New York Indians, but also a throbbing haven of Indian festivities. Be it Diwali, Holi, or international yoga day, the Times Square gets soaked in unparalleled festive fervor. Diwali at the Times Square is one of the most popular Indian events in New York. Indians of different age groups having thronged the Times Square and defied the pandemic to mark the Ram Temple’s foundation-laying ceremony, is the latest testimony to the historic landmark being unique to the ways of Indian life.

However, New York’s India Day Parade, one of the best Indian Independence Day celebrations in the USA, is cancelled this year due to restrictions in view of the COVID19 pandemic. The India Day Parade in New York is a flagship event organized by the Federation of Indian Associations every year.

Besides the Indian Flag hoisting event at the Times Square, New York’s Consulate General of India is scheduled to host an Independence Day celebration through a virtual medium this August 15. The virtual event will be live-streamed and attended by leading Indian American community members.

The post Wow! New York is Set to Hoist Indian Flag at Iconic Times Square this August 15 for First Time first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Wow! New York is Set to Hoist Indian Flag at Iconic Times Square this August 15 for First Time appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

Indian Americans need no longer worry about how to connect their US-born children with Indian culture and heritage. They need not bring from India or request a relative in India to send or buy online books on Indian epics, Indian history, Indian cultural heritage or noble Indians. All thanks to young Indian American siblings – Nikhita Mahendru and Vikram Mahendru – for launching a dedicated portal of short videos with animated content on the stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Indian gods and festivals of India!

Named StoryChatter.com, the website is a single-key window to the traditional stories of India, which have been passed on from one generation to the other for centuries. New Jersey-based Nikhita Mahendru and Vikram Mahendru broke from the conventional way of telling stories and attempted visually engaging animated storytelling, a great hit with today’s children in the current times of digital media.

Through animated videos with visual narratives, the Indian American siblings have made it a lot easier for kids to know what the importance of Indian festivals is, why we celebrate Dussehra, Diwali and Holi; what the interesting facts about age-old Indian temples are, why we worship Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, Lord Ayyappan and other deities; What the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata are; who Guru Nanak, Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Shivaji, Netaji and Maharana Pratap are.

To say in precise terms, the website StoryChatter is a mini video-based encyclopedia on Indian culture, heritage and history. It offers a free two-week trial period to new users. Once the free period is over, the users can buy a monthly subscription of unlimited video streaming only for $2.99. The videos available at StoryChatter website can be streamed on any supported website for hassle-free viewing anytime and anywhere. The subscription fees will be used to create new videos on the myths, epics, festivals, and legends of India.

“We tried our best to retain the charm of the way our grandparents would tell stories of Indian heritage and cultural values, in all of the 65 videos currently available. All throughout our childhood, we observed grandparents’ animated storytelling style which was powerful enough to make us visualize the stories and engage with the characters. When they left for India, our parents got us enrolled in Sunday classes at a local temple, but the storytelling there did neither quench our thirst for interesting stories of India nor feed our imagination. The multifarious, magical Indian mythical figures were reduced to mere lifeless things in the textbooks there,” said Nikhita Mahendru and Vikram Mahendru, the founders of StoryChatter video portal.

Nikhita Mahendru, a senior and Vikram Mahendru, a sophomore at Millburn High School in New Jersey have put months of research into this culturally edifying project for children of Indian origin in America. They compiled information about Indian cultural heritage from all sources available online as well as offline, penned original scripts, revised the scripts several times to come up with simple, easy-to-understand versions for young minds, mostly from elementary schools.

In the process of connecting US-born kids of Indian descent with their cultural roots, New Jersey Indian siblings – Nikhita Mahendru and Vikram Mahendru – have become cultural ambassadors for the Indian American community and philanthropists for the underprivileged children at the Social Outreach Foundation Primary School in Noida, their parents’ hometown in India. Yes, a portion of the subscription fees from the StoryChatter website users goes to a welfare fund for those children.

Travel Beats, a subsidiary of Indian Eagle, strives to promote achievements of young Indians in USA. Indian Eagle, a most trusted travel booking partner of Indians in America, not only helps you travel for cheap last-minute airfares to India but also shares latest updates on visa, immigration, Indian passport and major airlines.

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Indian American kids created a new history in the finals of the 92^nd National Spelling Bee this year. The eighth co-champions of the National Spelling Bee 2019 included seven Indian American kids, including three from Texas, two from New Jersey, one from Maryland, and one from San Jose, California. Out of the 16 finalists this year, 11 were of Indian-origin. Many people scratch their heads pondering over what makes a handful of Indian American kids beat a few million spellers from across North America.

‘Breaking the Bee’, an acclaimed documentary on what makes Indian American kids shine in National Spelling Bee competitions had a special screening at the 2018 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) and other leading film festivals in the United States.

All about ‘Breaking the Bee’ Documentary

The first-generation Indians in America have come out with flying colors in the National Spelling Bee competitions for two decades. Among the 21 champions of the Scripps National Spelling Bee contests held from 1999 to 2016, 17 winners are young Indian Americans. The consistent success of Indian-origin contestants has raised many eyebrows and questions especially because the Indian American community forms only one percent of the United States’ total population, according to the 2014 US census.

Breaking The Bee, a 2017 documentary film on Indian American kids who are as potential as child prodigies, packs in the answer to all the questioning minds, frowned foreheads and raised fingers.  Two journalists from Business Insider Films, Sam Rega and Chris Weller made the documentary to decode the mystery of Indian American students’ success in the National Spelling Bee contests.

Breaking the Bee dispels all doubts and questions like what motivates the contestants from the Indian American community to take over the top 10, year after year; what drives them to ascend in the competition, etc. There are innumerable speculations and explanations over the winning performance of young Indian Americans in the spelling bee. More than 40% of total 45 finalists in the National Spelling Bee 2016 were from the Indian community in USA.

The makers of the feature-length documentary Breaking The Bee explored the family life, cultural background, ambitions, study habits, training, zeal and talent of the Indian American National Spelling Bee winners to discover what led them to meet with success. The documentary also features some of the Indian-origin kids who participated in the 2017 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

6-year-old Akash Vukoti from San Angelo in Texas is the one of the spelling bee geniuses who ‘Breaking The Bee’ features. He was the youngest contestant in the 2016 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

The filmmaker duo – Sam Rega and Chris Weller – also caught up with USA-based sociologists, teachers, journalists, anthropologists and other professionals who are close to Indian Americans and have observed their cultural lives. These experts helped the makers of Breaking the Bee documentary frame a picture of what plays the instrumental in the success of Indian American kids in the National Spelling Bee competition.

Some of the findings by the filmmakers of Breaking The Bee are that Indian American spelling bee finalists have a definitive edge over others because of their bilingual proficiency; they spend long hours studying the connotations and structures of English words under the strict tutelage of their coaches and parents; they undergo formidable training sessions and tests.

Indian American kids have not only shone in the National Spelling Bee contests but also stood out in the National Geographic Bee competitions in USA. The National Geographic Bee is a most popular competition in which millions of school children participate from across America and their knowledge of geography is tested. The winning edge of young Indian Americans in both of these knowledge competitions has been reported over 80% in the past 10 years.  

This story is brought to you by Indian Eagle Travel at its overseas Indian community portal, Travel Beats, as part of the continued effort to promote achievements of Indians in USA. Indian Eagle not only strives to make last minute air tickets from US to India cheaper, but also caters inspiring community stories, visa & immigration news, and international travel alerts through free newsletters.

The post Breaking the Bee: Documentary Explores What Makes Indian American Kids Win Spelling Bee Contests first appeared on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.

The post Breaking the Bee: Documentary Explores What Makes Indian American Kids Win Spelling Bee Contests appeared first on Travel to India, Cheap Flights to India, Aviation News, India Travel Tips.