Sify.com : German woman joins Durga Puja celebrations in Patna (IANS)

2009-09-27 15:30:00

Attracted towards the festivities and decorated pandals (marquees) of Durga Puja celebrations, a German woman joined thousands of Hindu devotees in this Bihar capital to pray for peace and prosperity.

Caroline, a German student in her mid-20s, had been visiting various attractive and decorated puja pandals here for last two days to offer prayers to Hindu goddess Durga. This is her first visit to India.

‘I am here to participate in Durga Puja and enjoy the festival by visiting puja pandals. I want to understand this culture,’ Caroline told IANS.

She was happy to eat prasad (holy offerings) given to her by Hindu priests, devotees and puja pandal committee members.

‘It was amazing for me to move from one puja pandal to another. I never imagined that such enthusiasm exists among devotees,’ she said referring to the crowds near the puja pandals here.

Carolina said it was a rare experience for her to participate in a popular Hindu festival.

‘Durga idols in colourful dress at puja pandals were fantastic,’ she said.

She has also decided to witness the immersion of idols of goddess Durga and other Hindu deities in Ganga river here.

‘I was told by local people that immersion of hundreds of idols is a part of the festival. I will definitely see that,’ she said.

(Source: 2009-09-27 (15:30:00) – Sify.com)