BENARES. 85 



every variety of costume ; the most conspicuous 

 amongst which is the swaggering Bengali, moving 

 along majestically under the shade of a large crimson 

 umbrella, carried by a servant, and generally accom- 

 panied by a host of followers. Fakirs and mendicants 

 there are in great numbers, and men and women of all 

 shades, taking a dip in the purifying stream, whilst 

 prayers and incantations are being pronounced by the 

 priests. Others, having completed their devotion, sit 

 under a coloured awning, gossiping and enjoying their 

 hooka. 



It is a lively scene indeed, and not easily forgotten. 

 The best view is from the river, and there are always 

 plenty of boats at hand to have a row up and down. 

 Of mosques and temples there are hundreds at Benares, 

 especially of the latter. They are mostly small, called 

 " Mut," but there is certainly one imposing mosque 

 close to the ghats. It was built by Aurungzebe, of 

 red sandstone, and from its lofty minaret there is an 

 extensive view all round. 



The Brahmans, a very wealthy class, bestow large 

 sums upon their temples ; and, as far as I could per- 

 ceive, their principal ceremony consists of the pouring 

 of the Ganges' water over the image of their deity, and 

 decorating it with wreaths of white and yellow flowers ; 

 indeed, this seems the only form of worship observed. 



