Durga Puja Berlin, Germany
International Student Hostel Eichkamp (Club House)
www.durgapujaberlin.de
Welcome to Durga Puja in Berlin!
The Bengali Community has been celebrating Durga Puja in Berlin since 1975 and it has become part of its culture, tradition and heritage.
All started quite small and modestly back in 1975. In the 80s the venue was “Bharat Majlis” – an Indian Cultural Club. In the 90s Puja shifted to the Student Hostel in Eichkamp where “Ma Durga” carries on to be worshipped till date.
We celebrate Durga Puja for 5 days – from Shashti to Dashami. The religious ceremonies are carried out in the morning (mostly around 11am till 2pm) and in the evening (mostly around 7pm till 9 pm).
Currently the priest is Mr. Sumit Mukherjee who flies in from Kolkata just before the Puja starts.
Durga Puja is not only a religious celebration but also one that has a social and cultural role which brings different communities together. The daily cultural activities are a fun part of the evening and have become a vital aspect for the entire duration of the Puja celebrations.
We are thankful to the constant support of our visitors, sponsors and well-wishers who enable us to organise these festivities and provide with vegetarian meal and indian sweets to all visitors.
The “Bijaya Sammelani” – our evening dedicated solely to the Indian Culture normally takes place on the first Saturday after the Durga Puja Celebrations and promises a great programme followed by a delicious dinner.
We would like to welcome everyone to visit us at this year’s Durga Puja.
About Durga Pooja:
Durga Puja (also: Durgotsav or Sharodotsav) is one of the largest festivals in Hinduism and is celebrated to honour and worship Goddess Durga. Although celebrations take place all over in India, the rituals and traditions differ from region to region.
Durga Puja is held as the most important festivity in the state of West Bengal where it is celebrated over 5 days: Mahasashti, Mahasaptami, Mahashtami, Mahanavami und Mahadashami.
The Goddess Durga symbolises Perfection, Knowledge, Action, Wisdom and Energy (Shakti). The Durga Puja festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the Demon Mahishasura, who symbolises the Evil, Ignorance, and Selfishness. The daily religious ceremonies describe parts of Durga’s battle with Mahishasura and parts of this are recited during the daily prayers and service.
The festivities peak on the final day “Mahadashami” which denotes the “Day of Victory”. It signifies happiness, conciliation and fraternisation. “Mahadashami” (also: Vijayadashami or Dussehra) is a national holiday in India.
