76 MR. R. B. BAINBRIDGE ON 



Women may not participate in this pujah. Drums are beaten during the dances 

 and the pujah takes place after the principal crops are harvested, that is in Bhaddra 

 and in Pus (Bengalee). The Demno selects a stone at the Jahirthan, and this repre- 

 sents the godling for the time being. 



Mori Erwe — Peafowl. 



This pujah is celebrated by the head of the household. Pigs are sacrificed before 

 the feathers of a peacock tied together, and these feathers are waved over the sick per- 

 son to drive away the malady. 



Chang Erwe. 



This godling is sacrificed to after the grain has been harvested and stored. A 

 pig is offered in order that the grain collected may remain in safety. The meat of 

 the slaughtered animal can only be eaten by the males of the householder's family. 

 The Demno, as usual, has to drink the pig's blood. 



SarkAri PAeki Gosain. 



This pujah is performed in the middle of the village. A post is set up about 

 two cubits in height and four notches are cut at the top, and new Indian corn cobs 

 are tied thereto. Occasionally, pigs are sacrificed to this godling. This pujah is 

 performed prior to enjoying the new Indian corn. 



Bajotro Gosain. 



This godling is propitiated so that epidemics may be driven away. The pujah 

 is performed at a selected place outside the village and each householder contributes 

 something to the cost. A branch of the native ebony tree is used during the ceremony 

 and pieces of this branch, when the pujah is finished, are stuck in the roof of every 

 house in the village. This is supposed to preserve the villagers from epidemics. 



Tande Erwe. 



This godling is worshipped, during the months of Bhaddra and Pus, inside the 

 cow-shed, where a sal post about three feet in height is erected. Three, four or five 

 notches are cut in the post. Sabai-grass is placed beside it and sindur is applied to 

 the post and the sabai-grass. The presence of the cattle is necessary and the pujah 

 is chiefly intended to keep them in safety. The offerings are rice, milk, pigs, spirits, 

 fowls and pigeons, but the presence of the Demno is not essential. Dances are enjoined, 

 but the women-folk are prohibited from participating. They cannot take part in the 

 pujah and are only permitted to look on from a distance. After the ceremonies feats 

 of arms and strength are displayed. 



