Noman Sabit: Times Square’s Bengali festival of Bangladeshis in New York returned from religious orthodoxy to Secularism. Last year (1430) the Radhakrishna (Ulu) Dhvani, Surya Puja along with artistes and co-artists organized Bengali songs in the style of Surya Puja Leela Kirtan. Although this happened in front of talented people and artists of the country and abroad, no one had the courage to say two words. When the matter was highly criticized at that time, this time (1431) Bengali New Year festival canceled these religious orthodoxies and returned to the Secularism Bengali festival of Time Square.
Last year (2023) on the morning of April 14, as soon as the sun rose, some men and women of Sanatan religion rushed to Times Square with the sun made of flowers. On the opening ceremony of the first day, artists and co-artists organized Bengali songs on the model of Surya Puja Leela Kirtan. At this time, some female co-artists) were heard shouting. When the video spread on social media, there was a storm of protest among the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States. The leaders of the expatriate Muslim community expressed extreme anger over this.
The Bengali New Year celebration started on Saturday, April 13, at noon with the Mangal Shobhayatra. Various kinds of songs were performed by local artists in the event. However, famous singer Mumtaz enthralled thousands of viewers and listeners with Bengali folk songs.
Consul General of New York Md. Nazmul Huda inaugurated the New Year program. New York City Mayor Eric Adams was scheduled to inaugurate but did not attend the ceremony for unknown reasons.
Apart from expatriate Bangladeshi artists, various native dance artists performed their native traditional dances in the event. Patriotic and folk songs are played from afternoon to 10 pm. An organization called NRB World Wide organized Bengali New Year celebrations at Times Square.
BP/SM
