1835. J Island of Rambree on the Arrdcan Coast. 25 



decked out at the stem with branches of plantain trees and garlands 

 of flowers, give a most pleasing and striking effect to the scene. Re- 

 turned to the place from whence they started, a donation in money, 

 or a piece of silk, is generally presented to the winner by the master 

 of the ceremonies. Nautches and entertainments succeed the boat- 

 race, and the festivities are closed with offerings to the priests and the 

 Rautoo*, who is on this occasion carefully washed and adorned. 



2. Oobho-chounde. — This festival is held in the months Wajho, 

 (July,) Wagoung, (August,) Tantha-leng, (September,) and Sadyne-Kyot, 

 (October.) The people fast for a few days in each month, and pro- 

 ceeding to the Kioumsf, dressed in their smartest attire, prostrate 

 themselves before the PhraaJ, and make suitable offerings to the priests. 



3. Wingbauh-pae occurs in the month Sadyne-Kyot, (October.) — 

 By way of celebrating this festival, a labyrinth is constructed by 

 means of bamboo fences, so placed, as to make the path very narrow 

 and intricate from the numerous turns it takes. People of both sexes, 

 and of all ages, flock to this place in the evening, dressed in their 

 smartest clothes ; old as well as young thread the labyi-inth, enjoying 

 the fun that is occasioned by their several mistakes in endeavouring to 

 get out of it. A temple is erected in the centre of the labyrinth, and 

 within it are four images of the Buddha saint, to which the passengers 

 severally make obeisance, placing small lamps upon different parts of 

 the building for the purpose of illumination. The evening of each day 

 generally closes with a display of fire-works, and the Bouthsfy, a lu- 

 dicrous dramatic representation, very much resembling the Putle of 

 India. Tn addition to the above, a ceremony, termed the Pudddysah, is 

 performed during the month of Sadyne-Kyot. This consists in the 

 construction of a frame-work, intended to represent a tree, which is 

 carried about upon the shoulders of the people, and upon it are hung 

 such bequests as are made by individuals, in the shape of cloth, silks, 

 dishes, &c. the whole of which are intended for the use of the inmates 

 of the Kioums. Much is collected in this manner, it being considered 

 highly meritorious to make even the smallest gift on this occasion. 

 The procession is generally accompanied by dancers and musicians, 

 whose services are wholly gratuitous ; for whatever they may individu- 

 ally collect, is, in like manner, devoted to the necessities of the Kioum. 



4. The Ruttah-bdeh is held in the month of Taboo-dwar, (February,) 

 when the cold weather is supposed to have ended. A small tree is 

 placed upon a car that had been constructed for the purpose, and to 

 each end of this vehicle ropes are attached. The people assemble at 

 the place from all quarters, and two parties (generally selected from 

 * Image of Gautama. t Monasteries. t Gautama. 



