Indians celebrate Rakshabandhan in Denmark

On August 10, 2014, a motley crowd of 93 Indians and Danes got together to celebrate Rakshabandhan in Copenhagen.
"To celebrate this sacred festival in the traditional Indian way, we started with prayers followed by tying of rakhis and a barbeque. Impromptu skits and artistic performances by children gave a good festive spirit to the event," said Mangatram Sharma, who presided over the event on behalf of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh-Denmark's organizing committee.Hemant Dubey, another member of the organizing committee, added: "Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh's Denmark chapter has been an active social organization here for 20 years and we often help interested westerners learn about our culture - explaining the customs and traditions in an easy to grasp manner to them."
Parents were happy too, as the celebrations showed their children how festivals are celebrated back home in India - a good opportunity for them to get in touch with their roots and feel proud of them. The organizing members ensured maximum participation in the impromptu skits and dances. Themes for the skits were around religious stories of Lord Krishna and Sudama, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and Kaliya-the snake, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, Lord Krishna and Govardhan mountain. The moral behind these ancient stories was duly explained to the children.
"HSS-Denmark has been instrumental in not just making Indian children aware of their roots but also inviting interested families of Danes and other foreigners to such festive and other cultural activities. We plan to have more activities this year too," Sharma said.