Faith Holds - By Sujata Sengupta

Written By: Sujata Sengupta

Category: Essay

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In her evocative essay "Faith Holds," Sujata Sengupta invites readers into a deeply personal exploration of tradition, family, and the enduring power of faith. As a participant in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sengupta's work resonates with warmth and sincerity. The essay captures the essence of familial rituals and the profound trust that binds generations together, offering a glimpse into the universal theme of faith that transcends time and circumstance.

About the Work

"Faith Holds" masterfully weaves memories of childhood rituals with the evolving challenges of adulthood. The narrative is rich with imagery, from the simple act of a mother braiding her child's hair to the profound complexities of marriage and parenthood. Sengupta's prose is a gentle reminder of the strength found in tradition and the quiet, steadfast faith that underpins life's many transitions.

Faith Holds

Original Submission by Sujata Sengupta

Faith holds

There was a rickety, wooden chair in my house. As a child I sat on it while my mother plaited my hair each day before school. It was a ritual. Unruly tangles giving in to the firm strokes. There was a wince now and then followed by a tap on the head with the back of the comb. The result was two neat plaits, ready just in time for school. I did not have a mental alarm those days, maybe my mother did. What I had was faith that I would be ready in time for the bus. I sat without a worry in my head on that chair each morning.

Many summers passed and I got married. Not to a boy I had known since high school, or a guy I met at a pub, Nor a colleague, neither a client. I married a stranger. No courtship apart from a few formally arranged dinners with older chaperones. Suitable age, suitable boy, a good education and a steady job were benchmarks on which I put my faith. To face the seasons together, come what may, was the faith and it is running it's course.

Kids came and so did worries and mental alarms. Faith might have faltered in the small battles, but we keep moving forward each day because we trust, because we have faith.

It is festival time again. The time to celebrate our faith with family and friends. To spread cheer through new clothes, new shoes, chants and hymns, frankincense and sweets, good food and fresh garlands. To hold a promise, to keep faith that this year too shall bring us joy and hold us together like all the years that have gone by.

The idol, though beautiful, is but an excuse, a face, to all that is good in the human spirit. More than the idol, I put my faith in the potter's loving hand. Faith that generations will continue to create this beautiful symbol of goodness on earth.

Sujata Sengupta

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in poetry and creative writing. It fosters creativity and expression, offering writers from around the world an opportunity to share their unique stories and perspectives. The competition is a testament to the power of the written word in connecting cultures and ideas.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sujata Sengupta for sharing her poignant essay "Faith Holds" with us. Her reflections on faith, family, and tradition enrich the tapestry of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. We look forward to witnessing more of her inspiring narratives and wish her continued success in her literary journey.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.