ON THE FESTIVALS AND FOLKLORE OF GTLGIT. 107 



VII. 



Omens. 



Probably on account of the frequent attacks on Gilgit made by the chiefs of the 

 surrounding States, certain signs and occurrences are considered to be omens among the 

 Gilgitis. They are as follows : — 



(i) If an unusually heavy rain falls at any season in Gilgit, it is supposed that the 

 chief of Yasin will advance towards Gilgit. 



(2) If innumerable kites are seen hovering over Gilgit, it is generally accepted that 

 Gilgit is to be invaded by the Nagar people. 



(3) If packs of wolves make frequent night visits into Gilgit, and inflict heavy losses 

 among the flocks, it is affirmed that the chief of Hunza is certainly going to invade and 

 plunder Gilgit. 



(4) If the harvest be unusually abundant, it is believed that Gilgit will be attacked 

 by the Punyal Chiefs. 



VIII. 



Lunar Eclipse. 



The Gilgitis say that Grahn is the name of a giant, who is a lover of the moon. On 

 the 14th of the lunar months, when the moon is in its full beauty, the Grahn, whenever he 

 pleases, catches hold of the moon, leaving untouched only a part which contains 

 a fig tree. At such time the people of these parts beat their iron pans (on which 

 they cook bread) like drums and cry loudly," O Grahn, we have brought a large force, 

 beating drums against thee, leave her (the moon), or we will rush upon thee? " 

 In the meantime the eclipse ends, and they become happy at their success. 



Solar Eclipse. 



The Gilgit people say that whenever any good king dies or is banished from his 

 country, the giant Grahn becomes angry against the sun, and darkens a whole or a part 

 of his (the sun's) face as a sign of grief for the death or the banishment of such a good 

 king. 



IX. 



The Creation of the World. 



It is said that the earth was at first enveloped in water, which was at some places 

 frozen, and where some Yaths (giants) had taken their abode under Yamlo Hal Singh, their 

 ruler. On a certain day they held a council for the purpose of bringing earth over the 

 water. Their ruler said that the task was above their power but, however, he knew of a 

 wolf called Bojare Shal who lived at a place named Milgamok (old ice) and who, 

 owing to his great genius, would he able to perform this work. " Provision 1 ,'' was first 

 sent as a messenger by the Yaths, but the wolf refused to come, saying that he would not 



1 [In answer to a question regarding this name, the author of the paper informs me that the original word is rogi, which may 

 also mean "fortune." — Ed.] 



