October 26-30th is a big Hindu festival. Many people that we’ve visited in the last several days have been talking about it and preparing for it by buying and making food.
In trying to understand more about this, I’ve been able to read some information in the local newspapers. The Tihar festival is one that “celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.” One day is focused on worshipping dogs and crows. The crow is considered to be a symbol of sadness and grief so people offer food to them to prevent this in their homes. Dogs are also celebrated because of the cherished relationship between them and humans.
On the 26th, the goddess of wealth is celebrated. We were at one home where a man was explaining (or best as we could understand) that they worship and offer food to this god so they will be blessed financially. They believe that they are poor because they don’t do enough to please this god. We tried explaining him about the Jesus’ love that is free for all but I’m not sure how well he understood, even with our translator.
When we were in town a few days ago, we could feel and see a difference, as there were more people than usual and decorations on the street. As we’ve visited with people the last several days they’ve all been preparing for and talking about this festival. Our pastor has told us that people mainly get drunk and participate in a lot of gambling during this time. Normally during the days, we walk around the villages visiting with people but during these few days, he’s told us to stay at the church or only go to believer’s houses because of the danger that is present.
We’ve been praying for this time, that as these people participate in the worship of their gods, that the one true God would make Himself known to them. It makes me think about when Paul was in Athens, preaching. They sacrificed to many gods and even had one “to the Unknown God”. Paul took this opportunity to tell them about the one true God. People here are surrounded by religion so we are looking for ways to present the Gospel to them in their culture and in a context they can relate to. Pray for safety for us as we are surrounded by these festivities this week.
