A religious India
Today is the beginning of a three day festival for the Hindus. All shops, banks, schools, and government offices are closed. The closings forced our host, Caruna, to rush to the store last night to get groceries for the next three days. Wednesday was a Muslim holiday and some, but not all, things were closed. School was also out on Wednesday for the children. I guess kids here take many holidays off like the "snow days" school children get in Ohio. After all, this week, the kids have only gone to school three days out of six (Saturday is a school day also).
The Hindu festival is one of gifts. They worship today the goddess of gifts by eating a special meal together as a family. They also decorate the "sidewalk" in front of their homes with a beautiful design made from chalk and they will do so through the 16th.
In such a diverse country, religious tolerance takes the day. All people, not matter what religion, are given the day off for that holiday. Hindus and Muslims are given Christmas off, and Christians are given the days off for the various Hindu and Muslim holidays. Unlike our country, Indians are also not offended when Christians offer "Merry Christmas" to one another. Actually, many had heard about our most recent the recent "Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays" debate. They found it curious and a bit foolish and unnecessary. Such a debate would not happen here. You are what you are. Interestingly, on Christmas 2005, one Lutheran pastor said that the church he served was overflowed with people; the community's Hindus came to worship with the Christians. The Christians of that congregation allowed the 100 or so Hindus to fill the worship space while they, the Christians and congregational members, sat outside the church listening and participating in the service. What a wonderful display of genuine love for the stranger and those outside the faith. Instead of taking the place of honor and the "good seats" the Christians gave them up to the non-Christian guests visiting the worship service.
More tomorrow...
The Hindu festival is one of gifts. They worship today the goddess of gifts by eating a special meal together as a family. They also decorate the "sidewalk" in front of their homes with a beautiful design made from chalk and they will do so through the 16th.
In such a diverse country, religious tolerance takes the day. All people, not matter what religion, are given the day off for that holiday. Hindus and Muslims are given Christmas off, and Christians are given the days off for the various Hindu and Muslim holidays. Unlike our country, Indians are also not offended when Christians offer "Merry Christmas" to one another. Actually, many had heard about our most recent the recent "Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays" debate. They found it curious and a bit foolish and unnecessary. Such a debate would not happen here. You are what you are. Interestingly, on Christmas 2005, one Lutheran pastor said that the church he served was overflowed with people; the community's Hindus came to worship with the Christians. The Christians of that congregation allowed the 100 or so Hindus to fill the worship space while they, the Christians and congregational members, sat outside the church listening and participating in the service. What a wonderful display of genuine love for the stranger and those outside the faith. Instead of taking the place of honor and the "good seats" the Christians gave them up to the non-Christian guests visiting the worship service.
More tomorrow...
posted by Mike Weaver at 1:47 AM
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