In recognition of the belief and tradition of Hindu devotees, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany celebrated Deepavali festival on 28.10.2011 at the Embassy premises with the participation of District Mayor of Steglitz- Zhlendorf Mr. Nerbert Kopp and over 150 Sri Lankans belonging to all faiths and German nationals. This year the participation of more Tamil people who came from various parts of Germany to celebrate the festival at the Embassy was a significant feature.
The celebration began with a Pooja to invoke blessings, which was conducted by Pathmanathan Kumararuban, Chief priest of Anjaneyar Temple, Castrap Rauxel, and Veerakathiar kurukal. Buddhist clergies Kongaspitiya Santharakkhitha Thero and Dickwella Seelasumana Thero also blessed the celebration. Following the Pooja the traditional oil lamp was lit by Ambassador Sarath Kongahage, officials of the Embassy and members of Sri Lankan community.
Ambassador Kongahage in his speech appreciated the Sri Lankan community from Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian faiths who have come together to celebrate the Deepavali festival showing the oneness and the mutual respect of each other’s cultural and religious identities. The Ambassador stated that Hindus in Sri Lanka today celebrate the Deepavali festival happily in a free atmosphere and it is our President Mahinda Rajapaksa who created this conducive environment. The Ambassador requested all the Sri Lankans living in Germany to unite and work together to strength the hands of the President for the continued peace and prosperity of the motherland.
The audience was mesmerized by the cultural performances of Sri Lankan children. A flower dance by Anjali Dharmasena, Sri Lankan traditional dance by Jasmine and Jessica and a Bharatha Natyam dance were performed. Prabath Rubasinghe’s ``Ragupathy Ragava Rajaram`` song was well appreciated by all the participants.
The Deepavali festival ended with the serving of traditional Hindu meals to the participants.
Sri Lanka Embassy
Berlin, Germany
09 November 2011
