KOLKATA: Model Sharmistha Ray Chowdhury and artist Surath Chakraborty have been appointed as Women Empowerment Brand Ambassadors for the 2026 edition of Times Square Durga Puja in New York City. Sharmistha will represent the modeling sector, while Surath will serve in the artistic category.
The announcement was made at a special press conference held Wednesday at ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata, where the two were formally invited and honored in connection with Times Square Durga Puja 2026.
The event was attended by West Bengal Tourism Minister Dr. Shankar Ghosh, renowned elocutionist Pranati Thakur, actress and Times Square Durga Puja Brand Ambassador Rituparna Sengupta, organizer Sharmistha Ghosh, and Dinesh Chandra Majumdar, President of Bengali Club USA and founder of Times Square Durga Puja. Prominent dancer Dona Ganguly, Shrabanti Basu Bandyopadhyay, and several other distinguished guests were also present.
A special performance by women dhakis emerged as one of the highlights of the program. The powerful rhythms of the traditional dhak, combined with the presence of distinguished guests and the festive atmosphere, offered a glimpse of the vibrant Durga Puja celebration that will take place in New York later this year.
Times Square Durga Puja is organized in association with Bengali Club USA, founded and led by its President and founder Dinesh Chandra Majumdar. The 2026 celebration will mark the third edition of the Times Square Durga Puja. Organizers noted that a special message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also received during the second edition in 2025.
This year’s celebration is scheduled for October 17 and 18, 2026, in New York City. By bringing Durga Puja to one of the world’s most iconic public spaces, the organizers seek to showcase Bengali heritage, culture, traditions, and community spirit to a broader international audience.
Joining Sharmistha Ray Chowdhury and Surath Chakraborty in a new leadership role is Dr. Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay, a Bengali cultural and heritage advocate, speaker, writer, and specialist physician. He has been appointed Global Cultural Convenor and Heritage Ambassador.
The appointment of three distinguished Bengalis from three different fields—modeling, art, and cultural heritage—adds a new dimension to the international platform of Times Square Durga Puja 2026.
The upcoming celebration is expected to further strengthen the global presence of Bengali culture while creating a vibrant bridge between Bengal’s rich traditions and the diverse international community of New York.
Photos
