Ramadan 2012

Ramadan is the time for Muslims around the world to fast from sunrise to sunset. But this 30 days of fasting goes far beyond fasting from food. The Arabic word for "fasting" means "to refrain" - the Ramadan fast is not merely refraining from food and drink but also from wrong actions, thoughts, and words. So during daylight hours, they abstain from food and drink; some even refrain from swallowing their own saliva!

Beyond the physical call is the religious call. Muslims are to use this month to evaluate their lives against the teachings of Islam in order to improve. They should focus on forgiving those who have wronged them, improving relationships with family and friends, and getting rid of bad habits - basically a type of spiritual cleansing. Muslims also use this month to focus on worshipping God, filling their hearts and minds with the Qur'an (their holy book), and practicing self-sacrifice by identifying with the hungry and giving to the poor.

Please pray for Muslims as they begin fasting Saturday morning (August 21, 2012) in Bangalore. Ask God to help them understand that none of their good deeds can make their hearts clean before them. Pray that they would have dreams and visions that reveal the truth about Jesus.

Shab-e-barat (July 5th)

Shab-E-Barat is a Muslim festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. The Persian words can be translated "night of payment or assignment." By most, it is seen as a night of forgiveness.

Photo from pakistanisforpeace.wordpress.com

All over Bangalore tonight, Muslims will pray to God and recite the Qur’an in the hopes of finding forgiveness for their wrongs. In the early morning hours, they will visit cemeteries to offer flowers and read passages to provide peace for deceased family members.

Father, as Muslims in Bangalore celebrate Shab-E-Barat tonight, we ask You to reveal yourself to them. Confirm to them that Isa (Jesus) is more than a prophet and the only means by which to find forgiveness. Use the images of graves in the cemetery to remind them of their mortality and their need for help reaching heaven.

Akshaya Tritiya (April 24, 2012)



Photo from funonthenet.in

Astrology is particularly important to Hindus. Because of the alignment of the sun and moon with the planets on this day, it is believed that things started on this day will continue to increase or never deminish. New investments or ventures are often started on this auspicious holiday. It is common to buy gold, and merchants have learned to take advantage of this aspect of the festival.

It also believed that the merit of good deed done on this day is permanent and cannot be destroyed by future sin. Even the stingy become generous on this day albeit for selfish reasons. Although the religious significance differs, both Jains and Hindus will celebrate this holiday with special pujas (prayers), fasting and other rituals.

Please pray for Jains and Hindus in Bangalore today. As they seek to store up treasures of good works and material wealth, pray that they would come to know the pearl of great price who is worth everything. Ask God to reveal Jesus to them and give them them faith to count everything else as rubbish compared to knowing Him.

Not So Private Voting



Photo from blog.sdpi.in

Water shortages and bad roads are common in Bangalore, but the recent response of local elected leaders to these problems is shocking. A recent newspaper article stated that in areas which did not vote for the elected leaders, the elected officials refused to do anything to improve conditions. The attitude of some politicians seems to be if you did not elect me then I will not work on your behalf.

Please read 1 Timothy 2: 1-4: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,  who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

In accordance with these verses, please stop and pray for the elected leaders serving in Bangalore. Pray for their salvation and that they will not respond to needs in selfish or vindictive ways.

Tigala People

This month in Bangalore more than a week of activities were held to celebrate the Karaga festival by the Tigala people. Tigalas are a caste of people native to southern Karnataka and border regions of Tamil Nadu. They are considered to be ethnically Tamil and usually speak both Kannada and Tamil.

Picture from www.aturquoisecloud.wordpress.com

Many of  Tamils who migrated to other areas of India were gardeners and called Tigalas by locals. According to local history, a local king encouraged the Tigalas to settle in Bangalore to help with one of the gardens, Lal Bagh.

Typically Tigalas are Hindus who primarily worship Draupadi Amman. The Karaga festival is connected to worship of this god.

Please join us in praying for the Tigala living in Bangalore. Pray that both Kannada and Tamil speakers would have an opportunity to hear the Gospel and worship in their heart languages. Pray that the seed of the Gospel would be sown and produce a harvest on the hearts of these gardeners.

Easter

This year as Christians in Bangalore prepare to celebrate Easter, ask God to give them a renewed passion to know Jesus and make Him known. Pray that Hindus and Muslims in the city would be drawn to find out more about this special holiday. Ask God to help remove preconceived notions that would hinder Muslims and Hindus from understanding the importance of Jesus' death. Ask God to bless evangelistic efforts taking place during the Easter holiday.

Photo from blog.travelpod.com

Hanuman Jayanti (April 6, 2012)

I first heard about the monkey god (Hanuman) from a Christian who had once followed this god. She had kept shrines in her home for him and fasted regularly. As her devotion grew, she began to hear the monkey god talking to her. When she met new people, he would whisper their deepest secrets to her. The last time she heard the monkey god speak to her was on the day of her baptism. As she began to worship Jesus, the cross overshadowed the monkey god and his voice disappeared. 

Picture from searchandhra.com

On the full moon of April, Hanuman's birthday is celebrated throughout India. Hanuman's devotion to Rama is unmatched. He is considered a model of devotion to god. Hanuman is a symbol of power and selfless service. On Hanuman Jayanti, people flock to temples and apply vermilion on the idol of Hanuman. They offer betel leaves to him and fast.

Today please pray for the millions who worship the monkey god. Ask that the power available to them through service to him would be nothing compared to the power of Jesus over sin. Ask Jesus to release these followers from the bondage that holds them to this god. Ask that like the woman mentioned above, the cross would overshadow the monkey god in their lives.

Mahavir Jayanti (April 5, 2012)

Photo from sikkimnow.blogspot.com

Vardhaman Mahvir was the founder of Jainism and 24th religious guru of the faith. This holiday celebrates his birth. Jain shrines and temples are decorated with flags for the occasion. The idol of the tirthankar is given a ritual bath before being taken out in a grand procession.

The custom of donating money, food and clothing to the poor is also an important aspect of celebrating Mahavir Jayanti. In addition, Jain organizations arrange free food and drinks for everyone.

Please pray for Jains living in Bangalore today. Ask God to help them understand that salvation does not come through good works or following gurus. Pray that they will grow to understand that Jesus is the greatest teacher and only Savior.

Ugadi



Photo from spicyrasam.wordpress.com

In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (two states in South India), Ugadi is a Hindu festival celebrated to mark the first day of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. Bangaloreans celebrate this festival with great vigor. According to legend, this is the day that the Hindu creator, Brahma, began his work of making the earth and all that is in it.

Like other Hindu festivals, preparation for Ugadi begins a few days prior to the actual festival. On Ugadi, Bangaloreans will participate in ritual bathing and prayers for good health and prosperity in the coming year. A unique dish is served with six different flavors symbolizing the different experiences in life's journey.

On March 23rd this year, please pray for Hindu Bangaloreans as they celebrate Ugadi. Ask God to reveal Himself as the Creator and the only One worthy of worship and service. As individuals and families pray for prosperity in the coming year, ask that they would come to know that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

Holi (March 8, 2012)



Photo from totallycoolpix.com

If you venture outside in Bangalore on Holi, you might come home looking like a brightly decorated Easter egg. Thousands of Hindus and others will join in the revelry of Holi by throwing colored powder and water on one another. Originally this holiday was a celebration of Spring, but for many it honors Hindu legends.

One such story is about a king who required everyone to worship him. Out of loyalty to Vishnu, the king's son refused to do this. The king tried unsuccessfully to kill the son many times. Finally the king’s evil sister, Holika, who was immune to fire carried the son into the flames and held him there. Due to his devotion to Vishnu, he escaped without injury and Holika was destroyed. During Holi many bonfires are lit to commemorate this event.



Nowadays Holi is associated with a loosening of moral and social codes between castes and genders. A once frivolous holiday has become increasingly dangerous as some add chemicals or harmful things to colored powder.



Today, please stop and pray for Hindus in Bangalore. Pray that no one would be hurt during the festival this year. Pray that like the legendary son who was willing to die before bowing down to any other god, Hindus would turn to Christ and forsake all other gods. Pray that they would have the faith and integrity of men in the Bible who endured a fiery furnace for their faith.



Russell Market

Russell Market, located in Shivaji Nagar, is one of Bangalore's oldest markets - built almost 85 years ago. This is part of Bangalore's old military cantonment area. It is predominately Muslim now, but there are many Christian and Hindu influences as well.


Photo from rickcjensen.blogspot.in


The market is a large Islamic looking building with many stalls inside. There is a huge assortment of flowers, vegetables, meats and other food items. Scattered throughout are clothing and household products as well.

About a week ago, an electrical fire destroyed about a third of the shops inside. On Friday Russell Market reopened. To commemorate the occasion, a special Hindu prayer was offered, the Qur'an was read and a Catholic priest offered a blessing. In a market with so much diversity, they probably wanted to make sure all the bases were covered.

Please pray for the vendors who were affected by the fire. Pray that they would be able to get their businesses up and running again. Praise God for his protection - no one was hurt in the fire. Pray that this market would become a place where God is worshipped, and it would spread from there throughout the city.

Shivratri



In some parts of the city, the beating of drums and ringing of temple bells has already begun as Hindus celebrate Shivaratri in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the gods forming the Hindu trinity. According to popular legends, Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is also believed that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a linga for the first time on this day.



Picture from IndoVacations.net



Shiva devotees fast on Shivaratri, many eating only fruits and milk and some avoiding everything including water. Worshippers follow all the traditions and customs related to Shivaratri festival because they believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day releases a person of his sins and also liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shiva is regarded as the ideal husband, therefore on Shivaratri unmarried women pray for a husband like Him. Married women pray for the wellbeing of their husbands on this auspicious day.

Please pray for Bangaloreans participating in Shivaratri today. Ask God to help them understand that sins and liberation only come through Jesus. Pray that God would give Hindus a biblical understanding of marriage and the roles of godly husbands and wives. Pray as Hindus turn to Jesus, husbands and wives would learn how to love and honor one another as Jesus taught.

It's A Girl!

Last week in Bangalore, the state Social Welfare Board organized an observance of National Girl Child Day. In other major cities, it is observed annually on January 24th and the week following is used for educational activities.

In India, there are many responsibilities that come with raising a daughter, such as providing a dowry for marriage. Spending money to educate, feed and clothe someone who will later belong to her husband's family can seem like a waste, especially for poorer families. It is illegal to find out the gender of a child before it is born. Because of this, some girl babies are still killed to get rid of the burden she will cause to her family.

Please pray for poor women who will give birth to daughters this year. Pray that despite financial hardships, these little girls will be loved and taken care of by someone. Ask God to help parents to view daughters as blessings and not burdens. Pray that they will receive love and have their physical needs met. More than this, pray that they will have opportunities to learn about Jesus and become daughters of the King!

Photo from thisweekbangalore.com

Milad-Un-Nabi

Many Muslims in India observe Milad-un-Nabi, which commemorates the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's  birthday. Those who observe this holiday gather to remember Muhammad's birth and his teachings. Many Sunni Muslims celebrate this event on the 12th of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal (February 4th this year), while the Shi'a community celebrates it on the 17th.

Photo from karnatakamuslims.com

Many people carry green flags or banners or wear green ribbons or items of clothing when taking part in these events. The color green represents Islam and paradise. It is also a government holiday so many public offices will be closed. Parades and other events are common as well.

Please pray for Muslims today as they celebrate this holiday. Ask God to give them dreams and visions that confirm that Jesus is the one whom they should be following. Pray that God would remove the scales that cover their eyes from seeing the truth about Muhammad and his teachings.

Rathasapthami Festival



Photo from ikolam.com

Last week, many Asian countries celebrated the beginning of Spring with Chinese New Year. In South India, Rathasapthami marks the end of winter. During this festival the sun god is believed to ride on a chariot from the southeast to the northeast causing the days to get warmer.

Hindus celebrate this festival with special puddings as well as special chalk drawings of the sun chariot in front of their doors. Bathing rituals, prayers and offerings to the sun god are thought to bring blessings in the coming year.

Please pray for Hindus in Bangalore today who will participate in this festival. Ask God to help them to turn from worshipping creation to worshipping the Creator. May they know the glory and light found in Jesus.





Beating Retreat

Picture from TheHindu.com

In 16th century England, the Beating Retreat was used to recall patrolling units to their castles. In India it is a ceremony conducted on the evening of January 29 to officially close out Republic Day celebrations. It is performed by the bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The President of India is the primary guest.

Bangalore is home to many military bases and personnel. Today please pray for those serving in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force who are stationed in Bangalore. Pray for Christian military personnel to live out their faith in authenticity. Ask God to use them to draw others to himself. Ask God to grow these men and women into mighty warriors for His kingdom who will impact the entire country for His sake.

Republic Day

When India gained its independence in 1947, it did not have a permanent constitution. Its laws were based on the former colonial government. It took more than two years to draft and edit a suitable constitution. On January 26, 1950 the new constitution came into effect. Since that time, January 26 has been celebrated as Republic Day in India to honor those who helped gain its freedom.

Republic Day is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm all over the country. In Delhi the celebrations begins with the Presidential address to the nation. It is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of those who died for the country.

Today, join us in thanking God for India. Praise Him for this diverse nation that is home to over one billion people - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. Ask God to guide India's leaders to make wise choices that will bless the people and help them desire to know the God.

Photo from Moblog.net

 

Anand Nagar

Picture from samraksha.org website

Anand Nagar is a small area near a major highway and overpass. It is a middle class neighborhood, which is primarily Hindu. A large Hindu temple is situated in this area.

There are several churches and as well as a prominent Christian hospital in this neighborhood. There are believers scattered among residents.

Please pray for the people living in Anand Nagar. Ask God to use the churches, believers, and Christian institutions to have a positive impact on the neighborhood. Pray that the lost would be discontented with their own efforts to find salvation. Pray that seekers would readily hear the Gospel from believers.

Harvest Festival

The harvest festival is celebrated throughout in India. In Bangalore it is known as Sankranthi and marks the beginning of the harvest season. Men, women and children wear colorful clothing and visit freinds and neighbors. They exchange sweet dishes made from coconut, molasses and seasame seeds as well as sugarcane. This is a way of wishing that only sweetness will visit those involved in the exchange. Special prayers are also offered on this auspicious day.

Photo from IndiaShots website

Cows and bulls are also decorated for the festival and fed sweets too. In the evening, the cattle are led out in procession to the beat of drums and music. A bonfire is lit and the animals are made to jump over the fire. The Sri Gavi Gangadhareswara Temple of Bangalore is special importance since it was specifically designed to have sunlight pass through the bull idol's horns and light up the Shiva Lingam (another type of idol) for one hour on this day each year.

As Sankranthi is celebrated today, please pray that the harvest fields in Bangalore would be ripe. Ask God to do a mighty work among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains and Christians. Pray that God would call out more laborers to join His work in Bangalore.

Laughter Yoga

Photo from sarahsuequinn.tumblr.com

Maybe you have heard the old saying that laughter is the best medicine. In India, this was taken to heart. More than a decade ago, it was learned that the body does not distinguish between genuine and fake laughter - both produce the same physical benefits. Laughter Yoga was developed around this idea. Now there are more than 6000 social laughter clubs worldwide.

January 9-13th, a Laughter Yoga training will be held in Bangalore to certify instructors for this discipline. Please pray that all those attending would find true joy in a relationship with Jesus. Pray that the physical benefits from uncontrolled laughter would not be a substitute for a living life to the full. Ask God to make them acutely aware of the emptiness in their hearts.

Guru Govind Singh Jayanti



Photo from 4to40 Website

Today Sikhs celebrate the birthday of their tenth and last guru, Govind Singh. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh gurus. It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with over 25 million followers. One of their religious beliefs includes not cutting their hair - perhaps you have seen Sikh men and women with turbans on their heads.

Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) in Bangalore will hold large processions and gatherings to mark this special occasion. It is estimated that there are about 35,000 Sikhs in Bangalore. Please pray for the Sikhs in Bangalore today. Ask God to help them understand that Jesus is the only one who can teach them how to know and worship Him. Pray that this year would be a year of spiritual awakening for Sikhs in Bangalore and the world.

Kalal People

Photo from TravelPod blog



The Kalal are traditionally sellers of mutton.They work closely with Muslims in this occupation. The Muslims slaughter the animals, and the Kalal clean and sell the meat. With a background in Islam, this Hindu people group holds a unique place in the community. 

Even though this group no longer holds to Muslim traditions, like circumcision, their background gives them a special relationship with Muslims. This relationship is evident in many areas.  The sharing of food is unique in India.  Most communities will not accept food from those they see as beneath them.  Most communities in Karnataka see the Kalal as beneath them and will not accept food from them, but the Muslim communities of Karnataka will accept food from only this Hindu community. 

Because of this community's unique position in society, they may be a special key to the gospel flowing between the Muslim and Hindu communities.  Pray that the Kalal will embrace the truth of the Gospel and that we will see the gospel spread from Hindu background belivers to Muslims as never before!