Celebrating Diwali, Eid and Indian Festivals in Germany

You're not leaving your culture behind

One of the deepest worries about moving abroad is emotional, not practical: "will I lose my festivals, my traditions, my sense of belonging?" The honest, reassuring answer is no. Your culture travels with you, and Germany already has a warm, established Indian community that celebrates the festivals you grew up with.

A growing Indian community

India and Germany have strong, growing ties, and Indian professionals - nurses, IT workers, students and families - are a visible community in German cities. With them come cultural associations, WhatsApp groups, gatherings and events that make it easy to find people who celebrate the same festivals you do. You will be surprised how quickly you find 'your people'.

Places of worship

Germany is home to Hindu temples, Sikh gurudwaras and mosques across its cities - including some sizeable, well-known Hindu temples that draw worshippers from across the region. Whether you want to visit for Diwali, Navratri, a Friday prayer or Eid, places of worship and community spaces are part of the landscape, especially in and around larger cities.

Diwali, Holi and the festival calendar

The big festivals are very much alive in Germany. Holi, in particular, has become genuinely popular - colour festivals are held in many German cities each year. Diwali is celebrated with community gatherings, diyas, sweets and cultural programmes, and Eid and Navratri bring communities together too. You can celebrate quietly at home or join larger community events - the choice is yours.

How festivals are celebrated in Germany

Festivals and your work roster

Here is the practical bit. Indian festivals are usually not public holidays in Germany, so if you want the day off, plan ahead and request your annual leave early - German workplaces are organised, and a well-timed leave request is normally respected. Many nurses also simply celebrate around their shifts, with an evening gathering after work.

Building your own traditions

Some of the most meaningful celebrations abroad are the ones you build yourself - hosting a small Diwali dinner for colleagues, sharing sweets on the ward, introducing German friends to Holi colours, or gathering a few fellow nurses for a home-cooked feast. These new traditions, mixing home and your new life, often become the memories you treasure most.

Staying connected to family back home

Festivals are when home feels closest, and a video call during Diwali or Eid - lighting your diya while your family lights theirs, or joining the celebration on screen - keeps that bond strong across the distance. Many nurses make these calls a cherished part of every festival, so no one feels truly far away.