Glimpses of India at the Indian Embassy
Promoting Indian Culture through the Medium of Documentary Film.
September 30th, 2015
On October 14th 2015 the Indian Embassy in Berlin will give the opportunity to all the Indian citizens that are currently living in Germany to celebrate one of the most famous and important Indian festivals, the Durga Puja.
The Durga Puja celebrates the Hindu goddess Durga, remembering her victory over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. The popularity of the festival has increased a lot over the years so much so, that nowadays, the Durga Puja festival is celebrated not only in India and South Asia, but also in some western countries such as the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany, and especially in the city of Berlin with its large and active Indian community.
The Durga Puja is an important symbol of religion and identity in Indian culture, because of this, the Indian Embassy in Berlin has always supported the celebrations of the Durga Puja festival. Holding the festival in the embassy gives Indian citizens the opportunity to honor and remember their own tradition whilst abroad, and also promotes Indian culture and tradition in Germany. As the Ambassador, Vijay Gokhale stated this is one of the most important goals that every foreign Embassy should try to achieve.
The Indian Embassy will celebrate the festival by presenting a documentary about the history of the Durga Punja festival with specific references to the story of the goddess Durga. The movie will be followed by a short debate with a religious expert from India.
References and Links
Silvia Pennazzi Catalani, Berlin Global
