Her devotion to the goddess Kali was so intense that there were times when she would be completely possessed. She would be informed nine days in advance when the goddess would take control of her. During the intervening time she would eat only fruit. Toward the end of this period she would eat some betel nut, immediately after which Kali would take control of her.

As Kali was a goddess of blood, Latha’s sisters would cut her legs until the blood flowed freely. The period of possession was for one hour, and during this time the sick were brought to her to be healed, including those mentally ill. She would also give correct information about things stolen. For eighteen years her superhuman abilities were the main support for her and her family, although she was also a well-known dancing tutor.

However, a study of the Bible was then started by Jehovah’s witnesses with one of Latha’s sisters. In time Latha joined the study and made good progress in gaining Bible knowledge. She came to see that it was not a god made of clay that possessed her, but really invisible wicked spirit forces.​—Eph. 6:11, 12.

She threw away the stones around the neem tree in her garden, which were used in connection with the worship of Kali. Immediately the neem tree dried up, and neighbors knew that Kali had left her. An oppressive pressure was lifted from the entire family.

THE street is lined with rows of pitiful beggars. It is a sight Purshotham Patel cannot help contrasting with the magnificence of the building he is about to enter. In the receptacle at the door he dips his finger. and puts it to his forehead. Inside, the somber darkness is relieved by the flickering lights that reveal the recessed images of the holy ones to be worshiped. Incense weighs heavy in the air. Holy music is in the background.

Patel moves to the images before which he wishes to worship. Some images have the form of women, others of men. There he prostrates himself alongside other worshipers. Patel earnestly petitions for the matters he has in mind, which, as usual, involve personal problems. He touches an image three times, returning the hand to his forehead and chest. Surely his faith and devotion are without question.

Do you wonder what the religious faith of Patel is? You may say he is obviously Catholic. But if you are a Hindu you may say that he is obviously a Hindu. Would it surprise you to hear that the above description fits either place of worship?

The worship of Catholics and Hindus in India is so similar that Hindus commonly say they are one and the same, just that the gods have different names. In fact, Patel commonly worshiped in both the Hindu temple and the Catholic church, as is the custom with many Hindus.

Similarities in Worship

The Hindu religion in India, with its over 400 million devotees, has wielded a strong influence on the 10 million professed Christians in the country. The churches claim to have “Indianized” their services, yet church members often say the services have been “Hinduized.”

Commenting on the introduction of Hindu rites in a Catholic church, the South Indian newspaper Malayala Manorama said: “Mass was conducted in the genuine model of Hindu pooja (worship). Hymns and songs in word and in tune were like that of the incantation of Hindus. The emblems used were the same as in Hindu temples.” Similarly, the Official daily newspaper of the Catholic Church in Kerala, Deepika, quoted a leading priest as saying: “We are still following the customs of Brahmins with timely changes.”

Hindus here carry their god through the streets in a procession accompanied by loud music and vigorous dancing, even as Catholics carry images of their saints. In some churches priests wear saffron robes and have long hair. At the main festival time for Hindus, called Diwali, lanterns and “stars” are widely used. Then, shortly thereafter, at Christmastime, these same decorative lights are used by professed Christians in their celebration.

“Christian” women mark their foreheads with a circle of red powder, “Kum Kum,” which is a Hindu caste identification. At the Shrine of Our Lady of Vailankanni in South India, Catholics who have made vows shave their hair and beards off, the same as Hindus who make a vow at their temple. Here, too, ear-boxing ceremonies and special rites are carried on for girls when they come of age. For marriage and other important events, the Hindu custom of consulting the horoscope is used to determine the auspicious time for the event.

Abandoning Religious Customs

It is often particularly difficult to abandon popular religious customs. For example, married Hindu women wear around their necks a string necklace called a “thali.” This has considerable significance.

Since the word “thali” means “to bind,” this necklace, given at the time of marriage, becomes a visible sign that the wearer is married. To remove it could indicate that the woman is a bad type, or that the marriage is broken. However, the thali also has lines engraved on it to indicate which god the wearer worships. Thus the removing of the thali indicates that the wearer has thrown aside her god. This thali is also worn by some church members, but, instead of a symbol of a Hindu god, a cross is engraved on it.

Because of its religious significance, a decision has to be made by one who becomes a Christian as to whether she is going to continue wearing the thali. This is one reason why Jehovah’s witnesses endeavor to include the husband when a Bible study is conducted in a Hindu home. As a result, he will understand that his wife has no intention of breaking the marriage should she remove the thali upon learning its religious significance. Her removal of the thali simply indicates that she is now worshiping Jehovah and does not approve of idol worship.

Another religious custom that Christian women here abandon is the marking of their foreheads with a dot of colored powder, usually red, called the “Kum Kum.” Originally this was for caste identification, but today many modern Indian women wear it for decorative purposes. However, because of its association with the Hindu religion, Christian women prefer not to use it.

Maintaining Local Customs

At the same time, becoming one of Jehovah’s witnesses does not require persons to abandon customs of their land that are not in conflict with the Holy Bible. Most Christian women in India, in harmony with local custom, will not eat their meals with their husbands. Only after the husband has eaten will the wife eat. Also, when men enter the presence of women, the women cover their heads with their saris.

There are many other local customs that are often observed in Christian homes. For example, upon entering a home the householder and visitors will customarily remove their shoes and leave them at the door entrance. When eating, members of the family usually sit on the floor, using their fingers, but only those of the right hand, to eat. In some areas of India, such as in Tamil Nadu, there is much objection to the eating of beef. When people from this area become Christians, it is noticed that generally they continue to show a dislike for eating beef. The typical Indian greeting “Namastay,” made by holding the two hands in a prayerlike position, is also commonly used. Thus, with these and many other local customs, the Christian maintains his Indian identity.