IN the Hindoo month of Magh which corresponds to parts of January and February, there is held in Allahabad, at the junction of the rivers Ganges and Jumna, a great religious festival, or Mela. As this sacred spot has been for at least three thousand years a favorite place of pilgrimage, this Mela, whirl lasts a month, attracts a vast number of Hindoos from all parts of India. It is especially frequented by the Fakirs, or religious mendicants, who come singly, or in grew companies to the number of many thousands, exhibiting almost every form of ascetism ark self-torture.
The routine of devotion at the Mela begins with the adoration of the Ganges, as the pilgrims reach the river bank. Then follows, it the case of a large proportion of the pilgrims, the shaving of the head, which is performed by the barbers in a large open space set apart for that purpose in the Mela. After this, tilt pilgrims proceed to the spot where the water of the two rivers mingle, where they bathe with many prayers and sacred rites. Their they visit at their leisure the various shrines, especially a remarkable underground temple, in which is found the famous Akshaya Briksha or Tree of Immortality.
On the great day of the Mela, there may be perhaps, two million persons present. Let in follow the Mela of this present year.
Now and again processions of Fakirs found their way slowly to the place of bathing, preceded by richly caparisoned elephant’s ant bearing the chief men of the various orders Up and down the river went boats with thousands of passengers. The shallow waters near the shore were full of bathers in a dense crowd Some were singing, some were praying. All were full of earnestness and enthusiasm. It is difficult for Christians to understand, how such a ritual brings to multitudes of Hindoo devotees, a sense of duty done, an assurance of sins washed away, and the favor of the gods secured.
As many of the pilgrims remain for several days, in the city, or encamped in huts of grass prepared for the occasion in the open meadows, the Mela affords a favorable opportunity for the Christian missionary, and for the faithful Bible colporteur. In fact, an extensive bazaar is one of the features of the Mela, where hundreds of merchants sit in their booths, selling grain, sweetmeats, books, clothing, jewelry, and the like.
Just outside the bazaar, where the roads leading to the Mela come together, places are assigned to the missionaries, where they pitch their tents, and from which they address the passers-by, many of whom stop to hear the preaching and to engage perhaps in conversation. This is especially the case if a harmonium or other musical instrument is used to accompany the singing of our Christian hymns.
Let us watch the scene. A young lady missionary is at the harmonium. A chorus of Christian voices arises above the noise of the crowd. They are singing to an Indian melody a well-known hymn, the burthen of which is “In Jesus Christ is life and peace.”
Attracted by the singing, fifty, a hundred, two hundred of the pilgrims, gather about the tent. They are nearly all men, but a group of women standing near are doing their best to catch the words of the song. When it is finished, one of the catechists explains in a few words the chief doctrines of the Christian faith; one living and eternal God, our heavenly Father, who willeth not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn from his evil way and live; one incarnate Saviour, whose blood, shed in atonement for human guilt, is the only cleansing of the sinful soul; one Holy Ghost, working with divine power for righteousness in the hearts of all who believe; one Way of Life, which leads the faithful Christian to a blessed immortality.
Then a colporteur holds up the Word of God and reads a few words from its blessed pages. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “I am the light of the world; he that followeth Me stall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Watch the faces of the listeners. Most of them are plain people, village folk, to whom the message is new and mysterious. Will it be too much for them to spend a pace or two, and carry home, perhaps hundreds of miles away, the little book which contains such heart-moving words?
Others are refined in dress and bearing. They are of some higher caste, and have heard of the Christian religion; perhaps they have some imperfect knowledge of its teaching. Here is an opportunity to possess the Book, which is so highly prized by some, and by others so severely condemned as subversive of the national religion.
Some of these persons are scornful, and almost angry. A few would gladly silence the Christian speakers, and prevent the bystanders from purchasing their books. But the mass of the people are anxious to hear, and will not allow the speakers to be interrupted.
Do you see yonder, one of the pilgrims, a little apart from the crowd, but standing where he can hear distinctly? How eagerly he listens, drinking in every word! The preacher tells of peace to the troubled conscience, of sins forgiven, and grace bestowed; of fellowship with God, and a blessed immortality. It is truly a gospel, glad tidings to the weary soul. This man will not quickly leave the place where such words are spoken. He waits till all is over. Then he asks an interview with the missionary. Together they converse in subdued tones. The story of a seeker after God is told again, and the man bears with him that Word of God which has power, by the blessing of the Holy Spirit upon its teaching, to bring life and joy and peace to every soul that receives it in simple faith. The Bible Society Reporter.