80 MR. R. B. BAINBRIDGE ON 



household gods. This pujah only takes place when all materials have been collected, 

 and the ceremony ends with a great dance and general licentious indulgence. 



Tand Kutti Naddu. 



This also originates in illness and in the convalescence of the patient. The Tdlh'c 

 Beddn, the Pitta Beddu, palki taddi, a sow, and two pigeons are essential. A sal tree is 

 selected by the Demno and is felled by the Tdllii after it has been painted with sindur 

 and sprinkled with the blood of a fowl. Out of the tree a post three or four feet in 

 height is made, the top is rounded off and bands are cut along the length of the post ; 

 these bands are painted with sindur and drums are beaten all round the cowshed. On 

 the day fixed for the pujah, all the cattle are shut up in the guhal (cowshed). The 

 Demno selects a spot and the post is planted beside the cowshed. The offerings are 

 now made and the Demno selects a cow and paints its forehead with sindur. The Tdllu 

 cuts the throats of the pigeons and the blood is sprinkled over the sacrifice and the 

 post ; the pig is then brought and its throat is cut, and the Demno drinks the blood. 

 Water is now sprinkled over the Demno and he recovers. Then everyone adjourns 

 to the feast ; and drinking and general licentiousness take place. 



Raksi Gosain. 



The pujah to this godling is performed towards the Rajmahal side of the hills. 

 A stone ' is selected outside the village, and it is garlanded with flowers ; and the trees 

 and branches round about are also garlanded. Sindur is applied to the godling. The 

 essentials are a he-goat and patki taddi. Sweets are hung with the flowers, and a 

 miniature umbrella is suspended in front of the Gosain. The Demno is required to 

 be present. After the pujah dances take place as well as general licentiousness. 

 This Gosain has a fowl and other edibles offered to it by the Banddri on days of festival. 

 The Mandro and Chetteh Saorias worship this Gosain. 



Kando Gosain. 



This also originates in sickness, and the Tdllu Beddu and Pitta Beddu are selected. 

 Everything being ready a sal tree is chosen by the Demno, and a fowl having been 

 sacrificed the tree is felled. From it a post three or four feet in length is taken and this 

 is fashioned into five rough stools or pinrahs. These are carried inside the house and 

 placed in front of the Giimo Gosain, sindur is applied and the usual offerings are made 

 with pochai. Then the he-goat is brought, its head is cut off and the Demno drinks the 

 blood. These stools are afterwards placed on the Ddld Gosain which has already been 

 hung up. The stools are covered with a white cloth and are offered to the godlings 

 as seats. The usual dances, songs and licentiousness take place. 



1 The stone is circular and about 3 feet in height ; it is usually fashioned. Smaller stones are placed all round it : clearly 

 a lingam. 



