496 = Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. [December, 1906, 
is somewhat differently adorned. In Bonai fishes are placed 
in the water, and the kite and jackal are represented by clay 
figures on the banks, on which branches of bel, mahua (Bassia 
latifolia) plantain, sugarcane and other trees are planted. 
In Talcher, cowries and turmeric are put into the tank besides 
‘the fish, and a betel-nut smeared with sandal and decorated 
with flowers—the symbol of the god—is placed on a miniature 
island in the middle. 
is placed in it, and it is worshipped with flowers and durbba 
grass. clay pig is sacrificed, and eight kinds of vegetables 
-are first presented and then cooked and eaten. 
__ The period comprising the month of Karttik and the first 
eight days of Agrahdéyan is' known as Yamastaka, when, on 
Sderawene. the eight gates of the domain of the god 
of death are never closed. It is in this 
month, therefore, that Death is propitiated by young girls of 
seven year ess in the Yama Pukur or Karttik Pukur 
-of Western education. The forms vary considerably in detail, 
and in Bhagalpur, its north-western limit, the differences are 
‘SO great as to call for a separate account. 
n Bengal proper the tank is rectangular in shape, the 
‘longer sides running from north to south, and is usually dug 
close to the household tulsi plant, but in Tippera close to the 
plinth of the house. Various aquatic plants, such as kalmi, susni 
(Mar selia Quadrifoliata), and panda, one or more small fishes, 
in Birbhu i i 
-. : eae 
as filled with turmeric, ginger, tus? and flowers. Various shrubs 
such as hifica (Enhydra fluctuans), ginger, tulst and turmeric 
é , 
nee tk Y "gures are often put on the banks. These sometimes 
fee oo form of Yama and Yami. In Tippera his followers 
#maduta and Kaladuta are added. In Howrah they represent 
are those who make 
‘witnesses to testify to the due performance of the ceremony 
