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.