Christ’s Light in a Land of Many Idols | Shared by D K Sarkar serving in India
The following report comes from our missionary, D K Sarkar in Kolkata, West Bengal. October was filled with many Hindu festivals across the region, times that bring both challenge and opportunity for believers. Please pray for our brothers and sisters who face pressure during these celebrations and who continue to share the hope of Christ with their neighbors.
I am sending you an update about the Hindu festivals in West Bengal. These celebrations often bring challenges for us. Local festival committees sometimes insist that we contribute money toward the events, and at times the situation becomes very difficult. During these festivals, we organize camps and prayer meetings to encourage and strengthen our new believers. Please continue to pray for us.
The month of October was filled with Hindu celebrations focused on idol worship. People become deeply devoted to these idols, following traditions passed down from their ancestors. They often do not know much about the idols themselves but simply continue the customs they have received.
Many different idols are worshiped, each believed to hold its own kind of power. These idols have no real existence, yet priests and holy men have promoted their worship for generations. Below are a few of the main idols celebrated in West Bengal.
- Ganesh – Considered the god of wealth. Many people believe that if they worship Ganesh, they will gain financial prosperity. This worship began mainly in Mumbai but later spread to Bengal as people desired the same material success.
- Biswakarma – Regarded as the maker or architect of the world. People worship him, believing he will help them in building and improving their homes.
- Durga – Durga Puja is the biggest Hindu festival in West Bengal. She is considered the powerful goddess who killed the demon Ashur (Devil). Depicted with ten hands holding weapons, she is worshiped for four days during a time when schools, colleges, and offices close for the celebration. Her festival attracts many people, even some Christians come to watch the events
- Lakshmi – The goddess of wealth. Hindus believe that worshiping Lakshmi will bring them prosperity and abundance.
- Kali – Known as the goddess of destruction. She is depicted as dark, standing on the chest of her husband, with a garland of human heads around her neck. Her worship takes place at night and involves blood sacrifices, often from male goats.
We are enlightened by the blood of Jesus. We know all these idol worships are fake. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse of our sins. We are called to tell these people about the truth. Please pray for us.
D K Sarkar, EFM Kolkata
Please pray:
- For our strength and protection as we face difficulties and demands during the Hindu festival season.
- For steadfast faith among new believers who may feel isolated or pressured during these celebrations.
- For open hearts among those devoted to idol worship, that they may come to know the truth and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
- For fruitful ministry as we hold camps and prayer meetings to share the gospel and encourage believers in West Bengal.
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