Durga Puja in Finland

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.

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Sarbojonin Durga Puja, Finben

Rastilanpolku 1, 00980 Helsinki

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 2019 Events Schedule

The Invitation and registration details are available on Finben website.

PROGRAMME:

The schedule for the three days is as follows:

04th October, 2019

17.00-22.00 Decorations, Puja & Dinner

05th October, 2019

10.00-11.00 Puja Preperation

11.00-14.00 Puja, Anjali, Prasad & Lunch

15.30-16.30 Fun Activities & Children’s Sit & Draw**

17.00-17.45 Puja, Aarati & Anjali

18.00-20.00 Cultural Program

20.00-21.00 Dinner

06th October, 2019

10.00-11.00 Puja Preperation

11.00-14.00 Puja, Anjali, Prasad & Lunch

16.00-18.00 Cultural program & other activities

18.00-20.00 Puja, Aarati, Bishorjon, Shidur Khela & Dinner

Finben Durga Puja Location

Sharodiya Durga Puja, Mohamaya, Helsinki, Finland

Nallitie 3, 00940 Helsinki

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 2019 Events

Mohamaya is happy to announce that Durga Puja 2019 is going to be celebrated on 5th – 6th October, 2019. The full schedule is available on Facebook Public Event. Feel free to join the event if you are interested.

Mahamaya Durga Puja 2019 Schedule

Mohamaya Durga Puja Location

Sri Sri Sarbojanin Durga Puja, Pujari Association

Simonkalliontie 1, 01350 Vantaa, Finland

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 Finland Durga Puja 2019 Events Schedule

4 th October, 2019 (Friday):
19:00-20:00 Bringing Protima to the stage.
20:00-22:00 Protima and stage decoration, lighting

5th October, 2019 (Saturday):
11:00-12:00 Puja Preparation
12:00 Starting Puja
13:00 Offer of Puspanjali
14:00 Prasad distribution
15:00 Lunch
18:00 Cultural program
20:00 Cleaning and preparing for the next day

6th October, 2019 (Sunday):
11:00-12:00 preparing for and cutting of fruits for puja
12:00 Starting of Puja
13:00 Offer of Puspanjali
14:00 Prasad distribution
15:00 Lunch
17:00 Cultural program
18:00 Debi boron, Dorpon bisorjon, Sindoor khela. ( Opinion based, as today is maha ashtami according to Bengali ponjika )
19:00 Pack up for the next year

Pujari Association 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.