A long and gruelling walk

Recently we were told by our landlady that an all-day puja (Sitala puja) was coming up and that we must be around for it. There are a lot of different pujas throughout the year, and although of course we don’t participate in the worship, they can be very good learning opportunities. We can build on relationships as we are invited into people’s homes, and also gain insight into the faith of our neighbours and the spiritual climate of our community.

The culmination of the puja this day was when much of the community made their way from the small local temple across three sets of railway tracks to a pond on the other side. Then one by one, they bathed in the pond for purification, before making their way back to the temple. This was done by prostrating themselves on the dirt paths, rocks and railway tracks, tracing out an arc shape around their heads while others sprinkled them with water. They would stand up, take a couple of steps and repeat it, all the way back to the temple plus a few laps around it. (Throughout the procession three trains needed to stop and wait for their tracks to clear)


Finally, having offered puja to Sitala, the presiding priest lit pots of fire and placed them on the heads of some participants, while others reached out to touch the flames and apply it to their own foreheads.


It was nearly all women and children participating in the rituals, even though men were just as free to. It was quite surreal and very sobering to see many young kids, some of whom come to play with our kids in our home, laying themselves out across the paths and tracks.

While I certainly don’t understand everything that happened that day, what we do understand is that our neighbours were seeking blessing from their god. For those facing sickness, or for the poor seeking justice and opportunity, this was a chance to walk a gruelling walk, to punish their bodies as an offering, so that perhaps they too might receive from the fount of divine blessing.

As I see these things, how I wish and pray that my neighbours may know the one who has walked the long and gruelling walk of Calvary before them. That God does not seek their suffering, but loves them dearly, and has himself suffered as a once for all offering to bring their purification and healing.

Lord Jesus, as your Spirit came upon your people at Pentecost, appearing as fire upon them, come in this place too. Blow as a wind in the ways you desire. Open eyes to see you, fill hearts with your love and bring healing from every affliction.