Why Durga Puja Feels Different Outside Bengal?
For Bengalis living outside of Bengal, Durga Pujo can provide a special kind of familiarity. The familiarity stems from Bengalis that live in the city of Kolkata and also from those living outside of Bengal. Durga Puja in Germany gives Bengali families, students and working professionals an opportunity to reconnect with traditions, food, music and community
In Kolkata, the preparations for Pujo are much more noticeable and are actually more fun and can be more exhausting. The roads become busier, the neighborhoods become crowded, and the dhak seems to follow you everywhere. In Germany, there is not as much of a change. You still have your classes, need to go shopping, are needed at work, need to attend your appointments and you still have to take the train everyday.
However, there is a change that you can feel.
When Germany feels a little too Bengali
For families that have Bengali heritage living in Germany, Pujo can bring back memories of mornings spent doing anjali, evenings spent visiting pandals, having adda at pujo, the feeling of bhog and wearing new clothes.
For newly arrived students or working professionals, Pujo means something completely different. For them, it is a chance to meet people who also now experience a feeling of “Pujo ashchhe” and understand how it, in a strange way, makes an ordinary week special.
German culture, with its numerous festivals, is a great way to showcase the Bengali culture.
Finding Durga Puja In Bremen-Huchting
For those that live in or near Bremen, Durga Puja Bremen-Huchting offers an opportunity to experience the warmth and “togetherness” of pujo away from Bengal.
Anyone can come, you don’t have to be Bengali. The Durga Puja can be the first exposure to many, including Indians and families that just moved to Germany. A Durga Puja celebration in Bremen is not only an opportunity for Bengalis to celebrate a familiar tradition but also a welcoming cultural experience for people from different backgrounds.
This may be what makes Pujo abroad unique.
There, you notice the little things you may have taken for granted back home in Bengal. The sound of the dhaks, the smell of the bhog, conversations in Bengali and the onset of familiar happy faces.
Pujo is of the people
Living abroad teaches you that home is also found not just in a place, but in a group of people. In this case, it’s the people who appreciate and understand your references, your food and most importantly, avoid the puzzled look on your face when you bring up your Puja plans months in advance.
For most of the newcomers, joining the Bengali community in Germany makes that long distance feel a bit more bearable and helps connect them to all that is going on. The Bengali community in Bremen also provides opportunities to meet people, attend cultural events and celebrate important traditions together. All it takes is using public groups and following the channels to find out what’s happening and to connect with others.
Conclusion
While Durga Puja takes on a different look outside of Bengal, its meaning need not.
Leaving home amidst all the hustle to celebrate Durga Puja far away makes us all the more appreciate what that all is about.
Looking for Durga Puja in Bremen-Huchting in Germany now will bring you closer to the community and give you a chance to make your own memories, however temporary they may be.
FAQs About Durga Puja In Bremen
Is there a Durga Puja in Germany?
Yes. Durga Puja in Germany is celebrated by Bengali communities and cultural organizations in cities across the country.
Can Non-Bengalis go to Durga Puja in Bremen?
Yes. The Durga Puja celebration in Bremen is open to people who want to experience Bengali culture, food, music and traditions.
How can I connect with the Bengali community in Germany?
Community social-media channels i.e – Facebook, Instagram & Youtube, WhatsApp groups and local cultural events can be useful ways to discover celebrations and connect with people in your area.
