Christmas in India!

Hello All,

For those of you who don’t know, one of our group, Keely, is in India. I see that a few of you are on her email list, but not all. So, I thought you might like to hear what Christmas in India is like. Her update was LONG…so below is just some of it. The attached pic is one that she took. There’s some great insights here – thanks so much Keely!

”Christmas was obviously a lot different this year than other years. I attended a Catholic mass with Aditi’s mom at a church not too far from their place just to see what a Christian service would be like here in India. The priest spoke a great deal about the important role that Christianity has had in India despite the fact that only some 2.5% of the population is Christian. One man (along with one or two other musicians) played Christmas carols on an electronic keyboard, meaning that we enjoyed a sort of disco version of the music... haha. With the weather being so sunny and mild (the service was outside), it was hard to think of singing any songs about “bleak midwinters.” It’s interesting when you think about it – the celebration of Christmas outside of the Western world, especially when it’s removed from that particular snowy atmosphere and bustle of shopping. In some ways, perhaps it’s more religious than marketed. But there were still
plenty of people on street corners trying to sell Santa hats :o)”
…
”After church, Aditi’s mom and I went to a Sikh gurudwara (temple) across the street, which was a really neat experience. The gurudwara was beautiful! We had to cover
our heads with kerchiefs and take off our shoes before entering. Apparently around 4am, a particular scripture is chosen from the holy book, which becomes the verse of the day that people should focus on. Rather than having images of gods to pray to like in Hinduism, Sikhs worship the holy book, which is set upon an alter in the middle of the
temple’s main room. Musicians play tablas (a set of two drums with different pitches) and the harmonium while they sing hymns throughout the day. After you leave the temple, you are given a piece of hulva (sweetened semolina paste) as a prashad (kind of like a blessing). The religious diversity here in India is so fascinating. Between my
visits on Christmas day to church and the gurudwara and walking around the neighborhood today seeing people prepare for Eid-ul-Adha tomorrow (where the sacrifice that Ibrahim was willing to make for God by sacrificing his son Ismael is commemorated), it’s incredibly apparent – even more so than in the U.S., I’d say. I still haven’t made it to a Hindu temple, but that’s certainly on the list before I leave.”
…
”Missing you and wishing you health, happiness, and all of that good stuff for 2007!!

Take care,
Keely”

Yeah, what she said! Have a great New Year everyone. AND HERE’S A REMINDER: THERE’S A DROP-IN AT GARY KUCSAN’S HOUSE (THAT’S LAURA’S DAD) AT 7PM ON THURSDAY, 1/4.

If you need directions, write me!

Peace,

Kevin