Neukölln celebrates: Large Hindu temple opens just in time for Diwali!

Neukölln celebrates: Large Hindu temple opens just in time for Diwali!

The Hindu community in Berlin is continually growing, which is reflected in the upcoming opening of the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Neukölln. Loud rbb24 The opening is planned for the end of October 2023, to coincide with the important Diwali festival on October 20, 2023. The construction of the temple has a remarkable history and spans two decades, of which 15 years were actively worked on.

The interior work of the temple is almost complete, but there were delays due to a lack of granite material for the floor. The Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple will be one of the largest of its kind in Europe, with an impressive 17 meter high tower and a golden roof structure that will provide a special attraction. For the interior, 70 figures of gods and other religious elements are planned, which must be installed after the marble slabs have been laid.

Celebrations and community

A festival with an open day including a procession is planned for September 6, 2023. Up to 4,000 visitors are expected to take part in this event and get to know the new premises. The Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple is the second Hindu temple in Berlin, after the first opened in Britz in 2013. Its inauguration is also seen as a sign of the increasing interest in Hinduism in the German capital.

The community around the temple is looked after by Vilwanathan Krishnamurthy, who has overseen the planning and construction since 2005. The project is financed through donations and voluntary work, with the total costs estimated at a maximum of one million euros. This shows the great commitment of the community, which has a strong interest in integrating Hindu culture and traditions into the local environment.

Growing Hindu community in Germany

Hinduism has a long history in Germany, dating back to the 19th century. According to estimates, there are around 100,000 followers of this religion living in Germany. Particularly notable is the variety of ethnic backgrounds within the community, which includes Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus, Indian-origin Hindus, and newer groups. The Tamil community has increased significantly since 1983 due to immigration and has built over 24 small temples in the Federal Republic.

The diversity of cultural expressions associated with Hinduism is not only reflected in the opening of new temples. Yoga and Indian dance forms are also very popular in Germany. Over 1 million people have taken yoga classes, and there are a growing number of teachers who also incorporate spiritual dimensions into their work. These developments help to promote understanding and appreciation for Hindu culture in German society.

For more information about the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Berlin, those interested can visit the website hindutempleberlin.de visit.