2025 Feast of Tabernacles: Agra, India

Once again, our Indian brethren, along with 10 international brethren enjoyed the Feast of Tabernacles at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Agra, India. Agra is home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. From the rooftop pool deck of the Grand Mercure Hotel there is an unhindered view of the Taj Mahal. At different times of the day, you get a different perspective depending on the angle of the sun hitting the majestic monument.

Our Indian tradition is to have all our Indian members stay at the same hotel as the international guests. This really makes for a very close connection among all observing the Feast. The hotel has three full buffet meals a day and members all gather in the very nicely appointed restaurant for all our meals. Our Indian brethren come from all over India and it is special for them to reconnect with old friends.

Services were conducted in English during the Feast with simultaneous translation given in Hindi by our talented translators. This year for the Feast we were blessed to have four ordained men share the speaking load during the Feast. The brethren were able to have an abundance of messages from different perspectives. Several of the overseas visitors were also talented musicians and were able to provide beautiful special music throughout the Feast.

A rich Indian tradition that is maintained at the Feast is to have morning tea time and afternoon tea time. Brethren and guests would meet a half an hour before services to “take” our morning tea. It was a wonderful time to meet and fellowship at the Feast.

One of the highlights of the Feast in Agra is a planned visit to our members’ homes in and around the Agra area. It is a real treat for our international guests to see where our Indian brethren call home. We have an opportunity to see what daily life is like for our Indian brethren. It also serves as one of those events that makes the Agra Feast site one you’ll certainly remember. Of course, you can’t be in Agra without taking a tour of the beautiful Taj Mahal. An up-close visit of the monument is an unforgettable experience.

You are invited to join your Indian brothers and sisters at next year’s Feast. Our international visitors this year commented that their visit to India was a life-changing experience. We were all moved by the dedication and zeal of our Indian brothers and sisters and now count them as our dear members in the Body of Christ.