Moscow Durga Puja catalyzing inter-cultural & civilizational understanding in India-Russia Friendship

Partha Roy, Kolkata: In Russian capital Moscow, Durga Puja was organised by members of Indian diaspora and Indophile Russians in collaboration with Ramakrishna Society Vedanta Centre Moscow, with great fervour and dedication following traditional puja rituals and custom from 20th-24th October 2023 at 19A, Kuusinena Street, Moscow, Russia.

Moscow Durga Puja Committee also organised Mahalakshmi Puja on 28th October 2023 on auspicious Sharad or Kojagari Purnima following Hindu puja tradition. Durga Puja was started by a group of resourceful expatriate Bengali Hindu & Indian Durga Puja and Cultural enthusiasts in Moscow in 1990. The organisers celebrated 35th year of Durga Puja this year as mentioned by Shri Joy Dasgupta who is one of the Founder- member of the organising committee of Durga Puja in Moscow. Inaugural Durga Puja in Moscow was successfully organised in 1990 and was inaugurated by Swami Lokeswarananda of Ramakrishna Mission. Over the years Durga Puja in Moscow is inagurated by Ambassador of India to Russia and President of Moscow Durga Puja Committee Swami Jyotirupananda, founder of the Moscow Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre.

From humble beginning, over the years, the festivities have widened in reach, and culminated into true melting pot of cultures. Russian friends of Indian diaspora, including Russian academicians, Orientalists, and Indophiles, are an integral part of Moscow Durga Puja.

Russians from various walks of life participating in Durga Puja have deep appreciation for the plethora of vibrant Indian Hindu traditions and customs. Participation of large no.of Russians who generaly follow different faith create as well as widen inter-faith and inter-civilizational understanding.

Moscow Durga Puja Committee take care to perform the Durga Puja on the traditional dates as per the Bengali lunar calendar. The Celebration is a week-long programme conducted by Swami Jyotirupananda. Swami Jyotirupanada Maharaj of Ramakrshna Misson in Russia is President of Moscow Durga Puja Committee. All Puja rituals are performed under the guidance of Swami Jis of Ramakrishna Mission-namely, Swami Jyotirupananda Ji, Swami Atmalokananda Ji and Swami Shubhavratananda Ji.

Pushpanjali were offered, Aarati were performed following tradition. Bhog and Prasad were served to participants. Durga puja is not only a spiritual and religious occasion, but it’s also a place for social and cultural interactions.

Despite the global pandemic challenges and its after effects Moscow Durga Puja Committee organised festivities i.e. Sharad Utsav Durga Puja modestly and sucessfully in previous years during challengeing time. Moscow Durga Puja celebration was interspersed with various cultural activities, involving song, dance, and other art forms. Russians artists also participated in various song and dance performance. Cultural events including quiz contest were organised with special focus on children. The Puja Committee released their annual festive magazine “Aaratrika,” on the occassion of Durga Puja.

Moscow Durga Puja over the years is occasion of celebration of the spirit of solidarity, vigour, cooperation of Indian diaspora in Russia as well as opportunity to present various facets of rich culture and tradition of Hindu faith and civilization to local Russian community.