This Ganpati festival, people in Berlin decided not to be home sick and recreated a small Shaniwar Wada as their Ganpati Pandal.
Every Maharashtrian household and its children have fond memories of Ganeshotsav. After life catches up and it takes you to different corners of the world, children are forced to grow up. A lot of things have to be either forgone or forgotten. So this year around, when the festive time nostalgia hit, the Indian and Maharashtrian community in Berlin, Germany got along and made a plan. To recreate a part of their culture, childhood and fun times all packed together.
They welcomed lord Ganesha with enthusiasm and cheered on beats of dhol-tasha played by Ramanbaug team. More than a thousand people turned up for Ganesh Pratisthapna in the morning and Aarti in the evening that was organised by Marathi Mitra Berlin at Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Hermannplatz. Given the community size and working day in Berlin, this was beyond expectation and represents love of Bappa and the growing Indian community in Berlin. The idol replica provided by Sri Kasba Ganpati Pune was placed there.
The festival continues for 10 days with daily rituals and a grand visarjan procession on Saturday, 10-Sep is planned. The Mayor of their town is also going to attend the event and enjoy the festivities with the community.
Team Urbanly is humbled and proud to be a part of this event virtually. We are reminded of how festivities bring people together.
