the saorias of the rajmahal hills. 81 



Ner Lalleh. 



The Ner L/alleh or snake dance may be seen during the Durga-pujah. This great 

 Hindu festival takes place, as a rule, in the month of October. The rains no longer 

 whip the roads into yellow foam and sweep down the hill sides in roaring rivulets. 

 The crops are ripening and the heart of the rayat is glad. He pauses in his toil and 

 anticipates plenty, and a warm fireside in the winter. This is the season of reunion, 

 of good cheer and fellowship — the Eastern Christmas ! The courts are closed, the 

 overworked official seeks relaxation in the hills or at Calcutta, and the Hindu is like- 

 wise on pleasure bent. The Saoria also descends from his fastnesses, carrying long, 

 tasselled bamboo staves ringed with gleaming brass ; his , head-dress is adorned with 

 plumes and peacock feathers. His ankles and knees are encircled with tinkling bells ; 

 and he makes merry to the sound of ringing drums. But a Cobra-di-Capello is 

 essential. Prior to leaving home, a pujah is performed on the village dancing ring ; 

 a fowl or pigeon is sacrificed, and Ber Gosain and Darmdre Gosain are implored to 

 protect the snake-master from harm. The Guru and his companions catch a snake — 

 considerable dexterity is displayed — -and place the reptile in a basket. The dancers 

 and the Guru then visit the neighbouring villages and even extend their 

 excursions to the hamlets in the plains. The snake is placed in the centre and the 

 dancers circle in ever-changing step, while the cobra uprears its hood before the Guru. 

 The measure is very intricate and is accompanied by a weird and deep chant in unison. 

 Forty or fifty men dressed in red, blue, or crimson, dance in circle, and, finally the 

 dancers imitate, with marvellous precision, dancing all the while, the winding movement 

 of a snake in motion ! The excitement and picturesqueness of this amazing spectacle 

 are better imagined than described. 



The following is the song. 



Malto : — 



Utari bandla, Purabi bandla 



Bandla purab sanjre samdre 



Gurudar gurukiare, sanpre 



Bandare Utari bandla 



Purabi bandla bandla purab 



Sanjre samdre amer bimer 



Goler kati eto darm karore 



Sanp, sanp tori ailo, chutaki kelaw6h» '■''■ 



Translation : 



A spell from East and North I wis, 

 A spell from the Ocean's boom ; 

 The master binds the dreaded hiss, 

 Nor fears he the bite that's doom. 

 A spell from East and North I ween 

 And the Death all helpless lies ; 



