Berliner Bengalis e.V. (Berlin er Bengali) is a registered non-profitable and non-commercial association of Bengalis that began its journey in 2023. The Sanatani way of life is very dear to us, and we are deeply rooted in its values and rituals. Berlin feels like our "home away from home," and as a city known for its multicultural fabric, we wish to enrich this diversity with our cultural practices, preserving them for ourselves and future generations.
Alongside our Sanatani traditions, we are committed to celebrating Bengali culture and emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, which we honor as the protection of "Mother Earth" according to our traditions.
We firmly believe that cultural expression and social responsibility go hand in hand. Our mission is to practice and promote the Hindu Sanatani culture through various activities, while also raising awareness about the need to protect our natural environment. By doing so, we hope to inspire others to appreciate and preserve the world we all share.
Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated primarily by Sanatani Hindus in India and Bengali communities worldwide. Goddess Durga embodies strength, courage, and protection, representing the divine feminine energy that triumphs over negativity and injustice. Her story inspires devotion, resilience, and the belief in the victory of good over evil.
Durga is worshipped twice a year in Hindu tradition:
While Basanti Puja is observed widely among Sanatani Hindus, Akaal Bodhan or Sarodiya Durga Puja is celebrated on a much larger scale.
The words Akaal and Bodhan originate from the Sanskrit term akālabodhana, and are used in several languages, including Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and other languages spoken around the Bay of Bengal. "Akaal" translates to "untimed" (with "kaal" meaning time and "A" meaning not), while "Bodhan" means "worship" or "invocation." Together, Akaal Bodhan refers to the worship or invocation of Goddess Durga at an unconventional time.
This term is used because the worship takes place during the autumn month of Ashwin, rather than the traditional spring (Vasanta) season.
There are various mythological beliefs and stories in Sanatani Hindu tradition that explain the origins and reasons behind the celebration of Akaal Bodhan, also known as Sarodiya Durga Puja.
The reference to Akaal Bodhan is found in the Mahabhagavata Purana. According to this Purana, when Ravana awakened Kumbhakarna and sent him to war, Rama was terrified. Brahma then assured Rama and instructed him to worship Goddess Durga for success on the battlefield (Mahabhagavat 41.22-33). Rama replied that it was not the proper time (Akaal) for worship, as it was Krishna Paksha and the time for the Goddess’s rest. Brahma offered to perform the worship on Rama’s behalf. Rama agreed and appointed Brahma as the purohita (priest) (Mahabhagavata 42.12-27).
Brahma agreed to perform the puja from Krishna Navami until Ravana's death (Shukla Navami) (Mahabhagavata 43.81-97). Following Brahma’s instructions, Rama praised the Goddess by reciting the Katyanai Stab (Mahabhagavata 44.1-17). Brahma himself recited the Devi Sukta from the Vedas to please the Goddess (Mahabhagavata 45.4-19).
The Goddess was pleased and declared that a great battle between Rama and Ravana would occur from Shukla Saptami to Shukla Navami. On Saptami, she would enter Rama’s bow and arrows. During the juncture of Ashtami ending and Navami beginning (Sandhi), she would sever Ravana’s heads one after another. She assured that by the afternoon of Shukla Navami, she would completely destroy Ravana (Mahabhagavata 45.20-43).
During Durga Puja, beautifully crafted and elaborate idols of Goddess Durga are installed in intricately decorated pandals (temporary structures). Devotees come together to offer prayers, perform traditional rituals, and enjoy vibrant cultural performances, including music and dance. It’s a time of joy, feasting, and a deep sense of community. This festival holds profound cultural and religious significance among Sanatani Hindus and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur, attracting devotees and tourists from around the world.
Berliner Bengalis e.V. celebrating Durga Puja 2025 from September 27th to October 3rd following Durga Puja Calendar for London, United Kingdom, in the community hall of Zwölf-Apostel-Kirchengemeinde, An d. Apostelkirche 1, 10783 Berlin as per the schedule of Panjika.
Berliner Bengalis e.V. celebrating Durga Puja 2024 from October 8th to October 12th following Durga Puja Calendar for London, United Kingdom, in the community hall of Zwölf-Apostel-Kirchengemeinde, An d. Apostelkirche 1, 10783 Berlin as per the schedule of Panjika. Berliner Bengalis e.V. remain deeply connected to our Sanatani Hindu traditions and are excited to celebrate Durga Puja in 2023. Our celebrations will be held at the Radha Govinda Temple in Berlin, following the Panjika schedule from 20th October 2023 (Sasthi) to 24th October 2023 (Dashami).
This year, we are also committed to spreading the message of environmental conservation. Our theme for Durga Puja 2023 is ‘Save the Nature,’ reflected in the representation of the idol of Maa Durga. By embracing this theme, we aim to inspire a sense of responsibility towards preserving our environment, ensuring that we can sustain life on this planet.
With an expected large turnout during the festivities, we hope the ‘Save the Nature’ message will resonate with people in and around Berlin, Germany, fostering awareness and action towards protecting our mother nature.
Durga Puja 2025
We invite everyone to join us in this grand celebration and seek the blessings of Maa Durga.
This year we are excited to inform that we'll have Bijaya Sommilani on October 3rd, 2025 (Friday) after Sindur Khela.
Durga Puja 2024
Durga Puja 2023