This year marks the sixth year for Sharod Sampriti in Munich, Germany. They celebrated Durga Puja from October 9 to 13. The puja team prepared sweets for offering to Ma Durga over the five days, while the cultural team rehearsed for evening performances, and the decoration team designed and implemented a new theme. These efforts were supported by 230 members, each contributing in their own unique way. Planning for all Puja activities begins at the start of each year
Photos courtesy Sharod Sampriti Munich
Members visiting India contribute by bringing puja materials that are not available locally. A few days before the festival, the women gather to prepare sweets, enjoying camaraderie and fun. The festivities begin with a ritualistic 'boron' to welcome Maa Durga. The purohit (priest) travels from Naihati, Kolkata, to conduct the Puja, following all rituals as per the 'panjika' over five days. Sampriti family members take turns preparing 'bhog' for the Devi and organising the daily puja arrangements
This year's Durga Puja pandal is inspired by ancient terracotta temples of Bengal. The community collaborated to create the pandal using cardboard and clay, with intricate details that reflect traditional craftsmanship. The centrepiece is Maa Durga's face, crafted with a low-polygon mask and covered in papier-mâché, symbolising her divine presence. The collective effort in lighting brings the structure to life in the evenings. This teamwork transformed simple materials into art, honouring India's cultural heritage. The event highlights the unity and creativity that thrive in Sampriti Munich
On the evening of Mahasasthi, 'Sharod Sampriti 2024' was officially inaugurated in the presence of Consul General Shatrughna Sinha from the Consulate General of India in Munich, along with other dignitaries. The Consul General also launched Sampriti's flagship publication, 'Porobas.MUC', the annual magazine, and took part in the puja rituals of 'bodhon', which involve invoking the goddess
Every evening, this 'probashi' Puja was filled with vibrant cultural programmes by the Sampritian community. On Saptami, a dynamic theatrical performance stole the show, blending dance, drama, and sharp political satire that humorously reflected current times. The same evening marked the debut of the first kids’ band, delighting the audience with a melodious musical performance. On Ashtami, Sharod Sampriti welcomed Anubhuti, a band from Kolkata that had been performing across Germany during Pujo. Sampritians came together for a fun-filled evening of music and dancing, celebrating the spirit of the festival. The cultural event also included karaoke and performances by a Bangla band
On Navami morning, talented children showcased their individual performances, including recitations from 'Abol Tabol' by students of Sampritir Pathshala. Launched in May, Sampritir Pathshala offers Bengali language classes for children aged 6-15, held twice a month. Navami night featured Sampriti kids bringing Satyajit Ray's iconic characters to life, enthralling the audience with their performances, supported by expert direction, art, makeup and technical guidance. Among the special guests were Netaji’s daughter Anita Bose Pfaff, her husband Martin, and son Thomas, alongside other dignitaries
On Dashami, with heavy hearts, Sampritians prepared for the actual ‘visarjan’ of a small idol, which the priest brings every year, followed by ‘boron’ and ‘sindoor khela’. This year, they celebrated unity by wearing matching outfits from a boutique in Kolkata, brought to Munich by members who visited the city in August
