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.