502. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal. [Devember, 1906_ 
Akase yataguli naksatra tataguli bhai, 
Siva Vasu pija kare daure ghare ya. 
Rajader beti dolay asen dolay yan, 
Candan kasthe rendhe khan. 
Bap raja bhai patra, 
Svamir mathay raj chatra. 
Hata bata hata, 
Khay satiner matha. 
Beri beri beri, 
Satin beti ceri. 
Khora khora khora, 
Satinke laye yay tin minse gora. 
Bams bams bamé, 
Satiner hay yena yaksma kas. 
TRANSLATION, 
Prayer at the Bel Puicur. 
“May I have a husband like Ram; may I be chaste like 
Sita, and may my husband be happy. May my co-wife die. May 
her nose and ears be slit, but may I get a golden bowl. May my 
husband hate her, but may I be his best beloved. May her path 
be strewn with thorns, but may I have a golden son. May she be: 
my slave whilst I pass my days in laughter. May I be my hus- 
band’s darling, but may my co-wife spend her time in sweeping the 
dust bin.” 
“For Samjuti, the evening paja, place thirteen lamps in 
itcher in Laksmi’s room. Placi 
pitcher in Laksmi’s room I will ask this boon :—May my father 
brothers as there are stars in heaven. I run home after 
worshipping Siva and the Vasu. The daughter of kings comes and 
goes in a palanquin and uses sandalwood for cooking. My father 
over my husband’s head. May the co-wife’s head be eaten, may 
the cursed co-wife beaslave. May three white men take her away 
and may she die of consumption.” 
In Shahabad, where the Bel Pukur is unknown, similar clay 
. balls are used in the Aghan-Pindi Piaja. 
Oth gnan $ ] 
Bate They are placed at the front door of the 
: : honse and worshipped with songs and fruit 
by girls, who fast until after the performance of the ceremony. 
In Jalpaiguri the Natai Pija is observed by every unmarried 
Natai Puja. Hindu girl on each Sunday in Agrahayan. 
- An image of Natai is made from a plantain 
