Founded in 1970, the East Coast Durga Puja Association (ECDPA) emerged from the collective dreams of a
small group of Bengali immigrants who sought to recreate the vibrancy and cultural roots of Durga Puja on American soil. Their first celebration took place at Columbia University, marking a historic milestone as the oldest organized Bengali Durga Puja in North America.
From an intimate academic gathering, ECDPA rapidly evolved—today, it welcomes over 1,000 participants each year, drawing Bengali families, students, and friends from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and farther afield for a true “homecoming” festival in the heart of Manhattan.
Traditions and Adaptations in a New World
The ECDPA pioneered the weekend-style puja tradition in the USA: recognizing the constraints of work and study schedules, the puja is condensed into two or three days of intensive, joyful devotion and celebration. Rituals—bodhon, anjali, sandhi puja, bisarjan—are performed with authentic detail, sometimes adapted to fit American calendar realities.
A key innovation is cultural and social integration: the ECDPA event is as much a festival of heritage as it is a celebration of community. Alongside the devotional rituals, the festival features classical Indian music, contemporary dance, literary readings, and performances by local talent and celebrated artists from India. Prasad and dinners are organized for hundreds, transforming the venue into a warm, inclusive Bengali home.
Columbia University Roots and Evolving Venues
Columbia University gave ECDPA its initial platform—a connection to the academic, multicultural life of New York, and a low-cost venue for the new diaspora. As the association grew, larger venues were needed; today, ECDPA events are hosted in spacious halls such as Gujarati Samaj Hall, but the Columbia University legacy remains a defining origin story for New York’s Bengali community.
The original Columbia gatherings were attended by professors, students, and professionals from across North America—establishing ECDPA’s reputation for inclusivity and intellectual spirit.
Cultural Impact and Community Connection
ECDPA’s Durga Puja has become a cornerstone of Bengali-American identity on the East Coast:
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Fostering Heritage: The event binds generations together, teaching Bengali traditions to children and grandchildren of immigrants.
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Cultural Showcase: From Rabindra Sangeet to Bollywood hits, drama to creative workshops, ECDPA’s festival is a multifaceted stage for cultural pride and artistic excellence.
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Community Service: ECDPA runs charitable initiatives and local outreach, using the festival to unite and support families new to America.
Top artists—such as Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winners, Bollywood singers, and acclaimed dance troupes—regularly headline the festivities, bridging the world between Bengal and New York.
Why ECDPA Remains a Pillar of Diaspora Tradition
With more than half a century of continuous celebration, the East Coast Durga Puja Association is not just an event—it’s a living testament to Bengali resilience and creative adaptation. It stands as a model for diaspora festivals everywhere: authentic, welcoming, and forever evolving.
For event details, registration, program highlights, and community stories, visit the comprehensive festival hub at https://www.pujo2pujo.com/.
