Chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya!” were in the air on the evening of 18-Sep in the Hasenheide-Hermannplatz area of Berlin. Hundreds of Indians, Germans and Internationals had gathered, following the COVID guidelines, to celebrate the annual festival of Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed Hindu God. In Hindu traditions, Ganesha is worshipped before any major event/ enterprise as he is considered to bring in good fortune and remove obstacles.
While the Ganesha Festival has been organized in Berlin for several years by Marathi Mitra Berlin e.V. (MMB), this year had a special theme – “Invoking Ganesha for Peace & Prosperity” to pray to the almighty for world peace, faster restoration of normalcy post COVID and prosperity of everyone. The event was organized in collaboration with Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, Berlin and Ramanbaug Yuva Manch Germany.
The event also celebrated 70 years of long standing Indo-German diplomatic relationship and was attended by Officers of Berlin Govt, several politicians from Berlin, senior officials of the Embassy of India in Berlin and respectable Berlin residents. Dignitaries in attendance included – Mr Mohit Yadav (Chargé d’Affaires, Embassy of India in Berlin), Ms Malathi Rao Vadapalli (Director – The Tagore Center, Embassy of India in Berlin), Mr. Martin Hickel (District Mayor, SPD), Dr Kahlefeld (MLA, Green Party), Mr. Jochen Biederman (City Development, Social and Govt Services, Neukolln District), Mr. Bernd Szczepanski (BVV Neukölln, Green Party), Mr. Hakan Demir (Neukölln MP candidate, SPD), Ms. Karin Korte (BVV Neukölln, SPD).
Dignitaries and members of MMB, Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple and Ramanbaug Yuva Manch commenced the event at 3pm and expressed the importance of the event. Then at 3:30pm, the procession began by the Hindu tradition of breaking the coconut. Coconut is one of the purest fruits on the planet and breaking it before beginning an auspicious event is symbolic of self-sacrifice and surrendering the ego before the god.
The musical procession included traditional double headed Drums from Maharashtra state (Dhol-Tasha) and folk dance by ladies playing jingling cymbals (Lezim). Lord Ganesha was seated in a palanquin (Palkhi) that was carried on shoulders by devotees and also a chariot (Rath) that was moved by devotees. People of Berlin had seen a glimpse of Dhol-Tasha during 2019’s Ganesha Festival and Dhol-Tasha & Lezim on Indian Independence Day 2021. However, the event was bigger and magnificent with 20+ drummers, 30+ dancers creating some unique formations on enthusiastic acoustics while marching on the streets.
The procession started from the temple premises, went around the famous square of Hermannplatz, where several hundreds witnessed the cultural extravaganza. Many participated by dancing to the beats wherever they were – footpaths, shops, restaurants/ cafes, and even from balconies and terraces.
After a little over an hour and a half, the procession arrived at Volkspark Hasenheide. Several hundred Indians and the international community joined the majestic parade – dancing and chanting in the open park while following the COVID norms.
Post the community cheer, Lord Ganesha in his palkhi returned to the temple premises. Prayers were offered to Lord Ganesha through Maha Mangala Aarti performed by MMB’s Orchestra troupe. The event concluded after distributing the Prasad (Holy Sweets).
This awe-inspiring event was telecasted live on MMB’s FB page and several other social networking platforms by attendees in their personal capacity.
This event and showcase was possible because several members of the community worked hard for months. The list is long, but a special mention is needed for Dhol-Tasha troupe, Lezim troupe, Musical Orchestra troupe and the dedication of the volunteers who came together from different cities in Europe for weekend practices following border control rules and sacrificing personal time for this passion. Various equipment, props, costumes and accessories were sourced from India and Europe.
Thank you for the enthusiasm and discipline of participants and witnesses. Special thanks to the Berlin community for inclusion and support to various religious and cultural groups.
A Big thank you and virtual hugs to Berlin city administration and police for excellent support in promoting Indian culture. The event had a scale that is rarely witnessed in Berlin
About Marathi Mitra Berlin e.V.:
MMB is a registered non-profit that endeavors to promote and showcase the love for Marathi language and Maharastrian culture in the vibrant city of Berlin. MMB brings together people to celebrate Indian and German cultural events, Get & Give Support, Network and Enjoy with friends as family.
MMB has been active in Berlin for 5+ years and has conducted several cultural events and supported the community through charity. Even during the pandemic, virtual events were conducted and support was provided to the needy. Beginning with 2021’s Ganesh Festival, there are several events planned till the end of 2022.
About Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple, Berlin e.V.:
Sri Ganesha Hindu Tempel Berlin e.V. is a non-profit, non-commercial, and non-political religious organisation that has been registered to fulfil the need for a place of worship, spiritual and cultural enrichment in Berlin. The main objective of this organisation is to bring the Hindu community together, create solidarity among themselves and also to display our rich culture.
The temple is under construction and is planned to be the largest Ganesha temple in mainland Europe. It’s main door – the Rajagopuram is over 18 meter high with more than 250 handcrafted idols. The temple is seeking donations for completing the construction from all devotees around the world. Donations can be made through the temple website – https://www.hindutempleberlin.de/
About Ramanbaug Ganesh Utsav Pathak:
Ramanbaug Yuva Manch (Ramanbaug Youth Forum) is a charitable trust from Pune, a cultural capital of the state Maharashtra in India. The trust is formed by the alumni of the school called New English School Ramanbaug.
It is a core contributor in carrying on the tradition of Dhol-Tasha ensemble and one of the oldest Dhol-Tasha troupe in the City of Pune.
In August 2018, members of Ramanbaug Yuva Manch in Pune, who are living in Europe for work or studies, formed a similar ensemble in Germany which is an extension of Ramanbaug Yuva Manch Pune, India. With an aim of introducing and popularizing these instruments from Marathi folk music tradition in Europe. The troupe has been performing at several events in Europe, especially for the Procession of Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Festival, in the same style as it takes place in Pune every year.
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