A traditional event – a “Fahnenweihe”

Written by Bernadette M. – translated by AI

In Germany – and especially in Bavaria – there are many different types of festivals. Beyond the major events like Oktoberfest in Munich, even the smallest villages regularly find reasons to celebrate. Many local clubs, such as volunteer fire brigades or traditional young men’s associations, organize anniversary festivals known in Bavaria as “Fahnenweihe” – a flag consecration ceremony.

Flag parade inside a festival tent

At these events, the club receives a new flag, which is blessed and formally introduced during a church ceremony – hence the name “Fahnenweihe” (blessing of the flag). The celebrations usually take place over a weekend between April and July, often lasting three to four days.

In the festival’s tent

To mark the occasion appropriately, people wear traditional Bavarian attire, known as “Tracht“.

Traditional Bavarian “Tracht”

A large beer tent is set up, offering Bavarian food, drinks, and live music every day – typically performed by local bands. It’s definitely an advantage to be familiar with some of the songs beforehand. Many regular attendees recommend listening to folk festival playlists created by other Fahnenweihe-goers.

Dancing to the music means standing on beer benches – fun at first, but quite exhausting after a while. For a change of scenery, visitors can explore food stalls and small attractions outside the tent, such as a traditional swing ride.

Unlike Oktoberfest, Fahnenweihe events are not held annually in the same place. Instead, each year a different club in a different village hosts the celebration, depending on which group is marking an anniversary.

All in all, you could think of a Fahnenweihe as a much smaller, more locally rooted version of Oktoberfest.

Impressions of Germany – Part 1

It’s cold and rainy – but that doesn’t stop Germans from heading outdoors. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!”

And true to this motto, our German host families made the most of the day, taking their Indian guests on various outings: up to a mountain summit, into the Bavarian Forest, to a bowling center, and more.

Enjoy a glimpse into the first exchange weekend in Germany!

Above the trees of the bavarian Forest

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A Very Cold Warm Welcome

Every year, our Indian friends visit Germany in May and June. On the other side, our trip to India always takes place during the first weeks of November. What unusual dates to travel!

But even if it seems so, we did not choose our travel dates randomly.

At the end of May, temperatures in North India can surge up to 45 degrees Celsius, and staying in Delhi becomes nearly unbearable. In 2016, the heat in Delhi was so extreme that asphalt on some roads began to melt, turning crossings into sticky traps for tires and shoes alike. In such moments, the idea of cool Bavarian breezes feels like a dream come true.

Weather forecast of New Delhi

What a relief it is when the students can flee such a heat wave and enter the coolness of a Bavarian spring: temperatures of about 20 degrees, a soft breeze, and sometimes a few droplets of water.

In November, it is just the other way around. Then, the Germans flee the dropping temperatures. In some years, there has even been snow in November, and mild 25 to 30 degrees in India feel like an extension of the German summer.

However, climate change doesn’t even spare our exchange programme. And therefore, our Indian students sometimes have to face a cold wave – even if temperatures have risen up to 28 degrees.

The thermometer keeps bouncing up and down, and the weather in the coming weeks is almost unpredictable. We hope for the best – there is always a silver lining on the horizon.

Indo-German Exchange: The India Chapter

by Palak D., Class X

“India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pink that scalds your eyes, blues you could drown in.”

The India-leg of the Indo-German Cultural Exchange was an experience of a kind and one to cherish for a lifetime. To share one’s culture: a way of life in itself, is a feeling more beautiful than can be put into mere words.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib – A photo made by the German partner

Having a German partner at home, seeing them relish Indian delicacies, fall in love with the vibrant finery and navigate through the chaotic, yet unfailingly charming streets of India, filled me with a sense of gratification that I’d never felt before. Be it the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib or the jostling lanes of Janpath, the bewilderment and awe I saw on the faces of German students made me feel deeply grateful for this platform and such accepting partners, who embraced this new culture with open arms.

Emma and Palak

My partner and I, for instance, shared a common fascination with jewellery, and India holds a plethora of different kinds of ornaments, influenced by our culture and history. I don’t remember a single store at Janpath that we didn’t stop to admire. Despite the designs and styles being so different from the ones back in Germany, every piece was appreciated for its distinctive handiwork.

Continue reading “Indo-German Exchange: The India Chapter”

Wicke(d)/(t) Cricket

Who is the best cricket player in the world? Which team do you support? Questions that are easily answered by anybody from India. But what answer would a German exchange student give? None! Cricket is hardly known in Germany. Many even confuse the sport with croquet.

Our German exchange student Jakob therefore started the quest to explore the world of cricket. He interviewed his Indian host to explain the rules to him.

At the end, Jakob was still quite confused. But, just listen yourself.

The Timeless Architecture of the Symbol of Love

by Konstantin, Viren, Leon, Shreerao, Shrishti, Annika

The Taj Mahal, known for ist stunning architecture, attracts millions of visitors every year. Its story makes it a symbol of eternal devotion.

The Taj Mahal, often regarded as the jewel of India, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died at the age of 39 during the delivery oft he couple’s 14th child. Completed in 1653, this white marble mausoleum symbolizes love, devotion and architectural excellence. It is a UNESCO World heritage site and is considered one of the Modern Wonders oft he World. The structure is an exquisite blend of Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles. The main building with its massive dome is surrounded by four minarets and the complex also includes beautiful gardens, a mosque and a guest house. The central chamber contains the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Intricate carvings and inlaid precious stones add to the monument’s beauty. Visitors are often mesmerized by the Taj Mahal’s symmetrical design an the way it reflects the changing colours of the sky throughout the day. During sunrise, for example, it glows with a warm, golden hue.

Visiting the Taj Mahal is a moving experience for visitors around the Wold. Its architectural beauty in combination with its captivating story about love beyond the borders of death has everyone in awe who is lucky enough to see it.

A trip to the temple

by Konstantin W.

On the first day of our journey, my exchange Student and his mom brought me to two temples. The first temple, called the Mata Rani temple is dedicated to many different gods like Ganesha, Ram and Shiv Ji. We also read about the gods representing the solar system and standing for each day of the week.

At the temple
At the entrance of the temple

There was a huge shivling wich is a symbol for praying for lord shiva. It’s a giant metal rock where water from a pot drops regularly onto to cool the anger of Shiv Ji. The second one is devoted to Sai Baba, he was a devotee of god. He was very wise and it is said, that he healed everything he touched. We also offered money for donations and also got prashad, wich are little snacks, mostly sweet and they are given to the people who pray to the gods as a form of a blessing.

It felt differently nice. I am really happy to experienced that.