Durga Puja in Helsinki, Espoo, Vatnaa - Finland - NomadicMun

Ruska (autumn color) announces the arrival of Autumn in Finland with colorful trees. And the season of colors intensifies homesickness in Bengalis who live away from home. Suddenly the Bongs get proactive and starts to look for information about Durga Puja in nearby places. I am not the exception as usual. I did the same when I moved to Finland in 2014. I had to get information on the event from friends as there was barely any information available on Internet about Durga Puja in Finland.

Over the years I witnessed several Durga Puja in Helsinki, Finland and decided to write them up to help the Bongs who just arrived or live or travelling in Finland and those (other than Bongs) who want to know how Finland celebrates the biggest Bengali Festival.

Nowadays the capital region (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa) witnesses three Durga Puja, organized by different groups. Eventually people travels from other cities to take part in the events. Though it looks weird to have 3 different events in such a small area, it gives a realistic chance of Pandal hopping away from home.

Sarbojonin Durga Puja, Finben (Helsinki, Finland)

Espoo international School, Lillhemtintie 1, 02250 Espoo

Finben is organizing Durga Puja 2024 from 11th October to 13th October, 2024

The oldest Durga Puja in Finland, organized by FinBen. They have already celebrated their 20th years of Durga Puja in 2018.

The three day long event starts with idol assembly & pandal decoration on Friday evening.

Saturday is stacked with Puja, Prasad distribution, Lunch, cultural program, Evening Puja.

Sunday is more of adda with known people. If you are introvert then this is not the best day for you at Finben. The event ends in the evening with sidur khela & packing of idols.

You must register/buy pass beforehand if you want to be part of the feast.

Finben Durga Puja Location

Sharodiya Durga Puja, Mohamaya, (Helsinki, Finland)

Nallitie 3, 00940 Helsinki

Mohamaya is organizing Durga Puja 2024 from 12th October, 2024 to 13th October 2024.

They started their Journey in 2016 with brand new idols from Kumartuli. Though this Puja is the newest addition in Helsinki, It has gained popularity quite fast. Most friendly and energetic organizers. They are always happy to welcome you.

The event starts on Friday. Mainly Organizing members take part in Friday evening to assemble the idols & stage decoration.

Saturday marks the start with Puja in the morning, followed by delicious homemade Prasad. Organizers make sure that everyone visiting the event get Prasad. Sumptuous lunch is served at noon. They have time reserved for cultural program in the afternoon. All enthusiasts/strangers can participate in the program. The day ends with evening Puja & Dhunuchi naach.

Sunday follows almost similar sequence of events throughout the day with special event “Sindur Khela” in the evening. Sindur khela, dhunuchi nach, dhaak altogether creates an unforgettable ambience during the fag end of the event. Finally customary rasgulla distribution marks the end of year long awaited event.

The organizers keep an eye on every details of the event. They brought dhaak from Kolkata which gives an extra mileage to the occasion.

No prior registration is required. All are welcome !!!. You can contribute/donate as per your wish on the spot.

Photo Credit – Samujjwal Sahu

Mohamaya Durga Puja Location

Sri Sri Sarbojanin Durga Puja, Pujari Association (Vantaa, Finland)

Urheilutie 4,Vantaa 01350 , Finland

Pujari Association is organizing Durga Puja 2024 from 12th October, 2024 to 13th October 2024.

This is the 2nd oldest Durga Puja in Finland. Started in 2010, they used to be full house till 2015 until Mohamaya was formed in 2016.

The event is organized by Pujari association, Finland in Vantaa area. A bunch of friendly & energetic people provide homely environment away from home. The event follows same schedule as other groups.

You can participate in the event without prior registration. All kind of contributions / donations are welcome.

Pujari association brought new idols from Kumartuli last year after donating the old one to Finnish Museum.

Pujari Association Durga Puja Location

Durgapuja of Finland Hindu Unity (Espoo/Helsinki, Finland)

Jakomäenpolku 6, Helsinki 00770

Finland Hindu Unity is organizing Durga Puja 2024 from 12th October, 2024 to 13th October 2024.

There’s a new Durga Puja celebration organized by ‘Finland Hindu Unity’. They started the event in 2022 with the help of young and friendly devotees.

What makes this celebration unique is their commitment to follow the Hindu calendar schedule, ensuring that they perform the puja, especially Dasami, at the same time as in India.

Usually, the festival spans two days, with Saptami and Ashtami Puja on the first day, and Nabami and Dashami Puja on the second day.

In 2023, they’ve added a large idol to their celebration. Everyone is welcome to join, and there’s no need for prior registration till now. The organizers aim to establish a permanent temple in the future and appreciate any kind of donations to support their cause.

Finland Hindu Unity Durga Puja Location

What is Durga Puja

Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival that reveres the goddess Durga. It is particularly popular in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha, Bagladesh and in Nepal where it is called Dashain. The multi-day festival is celebrated in autumn featuring stage decorations (pandals), scripture recitation, performance arts, revelry, and processions.