Navratri Garba at New York’s Times Square goes viral; internet divided as users debate Indian celebrations abroad

A Navratri celebration in New York has sparked a debate on social media, with some users appreciating the display of Indian culture and others questioning it. Videos of people performing Garba at Times Square have drawn attention, but the online discussion has focused as much on the event itself as on whether such celebrations belong in public spaces abroad.

Viral video shows Navratri celebration in New York

X user @iAkankshaP shared a post featuring the gathering at Times Square. The video showed people in colourful traditional outfits performing Garba to devotional music during the Hindu festival dedicated to Maa Durga.The post received mixed reactions, with several users criticising the decision to hold the celebration overseas.

‘Take this back to India’: Users criticise the event

Some users questioned why Indians organise traditional dance and music events in public spaces abroad. One person compared the gathering with cultural performances by other Asian communities, writing, “You literally dont see any other Asian nation performing their cultural heritage dance or music in spaces like this. Why Indian think they can just do it?”Another user linked the event to immigration concerns, commenting, “This is the reason why America is tightening visa rules.”Others were more direct in their disapproval. One user wrote, “Take this back to India,” while another commented, “There is nothing appealing about their dance. Do they even realize this? This is so cringe.”The discussion also touched on how such events might affect Indians living overseas. One user wrote, “This is why Indians are being hated upon. Sad that hard working Indians bear the brunt of this ridiculous behaviour. Dont go to other countries and do this.”

Social media users defend the Garba celebration

Several users disagreed with the criticism, arguing that cultural events should not become a source of online hostility or political arguments.Defending the gathering, one user wrote, “Why is everyone whining and hating in the comments? This is an organised show authorised by city officials. I’m all for calling out rogue behaviour, but not everything needs to be a culture war or ideological right v left point scoring. Quit the hate and get a life.”Disclaimer: The views expressed in the social media posts quoted in this article are those of the individual users and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Times of India.Thumb image: X