How to Celebrate Indian Festivals in Germany

05 April 2025

How to Celebrate Indian Festivals in Germany

How to Celebrate Indian Festivals in Germany (Diwali, Holi & More)

Living in Germany doesn't mean missing out on the vibrant spirit of Indian festivals. Whether you're in Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, or smaller towns, there are plenty of ways to feel at home and celebrate your favorite traditions.

Here’s a guide to celebrating major Indian festivals across Germany — with event tips, shopping suggestions, and community connections.

Diwali – The Festival of Lights 

How to Celebrate:

• Attend Diwali parties hosted by Indian associations or student groups
• Decorate your home with fairy lights, diyas, and rangoli
• Cook or order mithai (sweets) and festive snacks
• Host a small pooja with friends and family

Where to Shop:

• Indian grocery stores (Patel’s, Bollywood Store, Maharaja)
• Amazon Germany (diyas, LED lights, rangoli kits)
• Get your outfit from brands like UtsavFashion (online) or local Indian boutiques

Events:

• Look for "Diwali Ball" or "Lichterfest" events on Eventbrite, Facebook, or Meetup
• Many temples or Hindu cultural centers organize Lakshmi Pooja and fireworks

Holi – The Festival of Colors 

How to Celebrate:

• Attend Holi open-air parties — usually held in parks or music venues
• Use organic, skin-safe colors (Gulal)
• Bring white clothes, music, and water balloons if it’s a private gathering

Events:

• Check for “Holi Festival of Colours” in major cities — a popular fusion of music and color
• Indian student associations also host smaller, family-friendly Holi events

Where to Find Colors:

• Order online (Amazon.de or HoliGermany.de)
• Sometimes Indian stores stock them before the event

Navratri & Dussehra 

How to Celebrate:

• Join Garba & Dandiya Nights — usually hosted by Gujarati or broader Indian associations
• Watch Ramleela shows (some communities organize dramatic retellings)

Outfit Tip:

• Chaniya choli or kurta can be bought from online Indian stores — plan ahead as shipping takes time

Cities With Big Celebrations:

• Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf often have large community events

Ganesh Chaturthi 

How to Celebrate:

• Join community Ganesh Poojas (especially in Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt)
• Offer prayers at home with a small clay idol
• Cook or share modaks and other sweets

Where to Find Idols:

• Some Indian shops stock clay idols — call in advance
• DIY paper/clay idols also work if you’re celebrating privately

Eid, Christmas, and Other Multicultural Festivities 

Indian expats also participate in Eid, Christmas markets, and New Year events with multicultural friends. Many Indian communities plan potlucks, dinners, or spiritual meetups around these times.

Staying Connected with Indian Culture in Germany

• Join local Indian WhatsApp or Telegram groups
• Attend temple events or cultural workshops
• Follow Indian student groups (DAAD, university clubs, local associations)

Coming Soon:

A visual guide to “What to Pack When Moving from India to Germany.”

Tags: Celebrate Diwali Germany, Indian festivals Frankfurt, Holi events Europe, Indian expats Germany, Navratri in Germany, Indian culture abroad