The dominant religion in India is Hinduism. One of the sacred cities of Hinduism is Haridwar, built along the banks Ganges river. Hinduism teaches that special benefits come to its practitioners if they dip or wash in the sacred waters of the Ganges.
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| Religious pilgrims dipping in the Ganges at Haridwar. |
Uncle George took Ray and me to Haridwar to see the Ganges. What an interesting and unique place. It is the sacred mixed with the secular. As we walked from the parking lot to the promenade, marketers were hawking jewelry, clothing, and food. There were also sacred items to purchase and throw into the river such as flowers, cups of milk and coins struck with impressions of Hindu gods.
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| Pastor Ray, Dr. George & Dr. Don stand on the bank of the Ganges river. |
On the promenade were worshipers, beggars and curious visitors like us. Worshipers either hired the services of a priest to coach them through a religious ritual or just did their own thing, dipping in the cold and dirty water. Chains attached to the river steps and bridges gave bathers something to grasp so as not to be swept away by the swift current. It was heartbreaking to see people worshiping idols. Ray and I felt as the Apostle Paul described in Acts 17:16 - our spirits were “being provoked within [us] as [we were] observing a city full of idols.”
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| A Hindu idol in the Ganges river. |
Beggars were everywhere - none were pushy or demanding. Children dressed in traditional Indian costumes and had their faces painted blue. They came up to us with empty cups extended for money. Many of the beggars were older or crippled in some way. One young man lost his fingers to leprosy. Our trip to the Ganges made a powerful impact on us.
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| A young man with hands ravaged by leprosy begs near the Ganges. |
We then visited Krist Jyoti Academy (Light of Christ Academy), an outreach school of New Theological College (NTC). The school is in a very needy area where there is no other Christian witness. Village children have an opportunity for education and to learn about Jesus Christ. This is a very good work directed by Santhosh George, a graduate of NTC.
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| Santhosh George, Principal of Krist Jyoti Academy. |
Our visit to a village of Dalits or “untouchables” was particularly moving. Considered below and outside the lowest caste, these people are ostracized by almost all. This particular village is known for its snake handlers. The men were quick to bring out circular wicker baskets containing cobras and gave us show. When they removed the basket tops the snakes sprung up and spread their hoods and hissed. One man even put a snake around a little boy’s neck .
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| Dalit snake handler showing no fear of this cobra. |
Santhosh has the heart of Christ for the dear people in this village. He and Uncle George pray and plan to one day establish a church in this community. The “untouchables” will be “touched” by the love and light of Jesus Christ.
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| These "untouchable" children are loved and welcomed by Jesus. |
