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JOURNAL, K. A. S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. VIII. 



remainder, leaving sufficient for the New Rice Feast (alut- 

 bat-kema.) The Deviyanne vi is stored in a separate part of 

 the loft. Mantras are occasionally resorted to for the pre- 

 servation of the paddy from rats. 



Alut-Bat-Kema. 

 Where, as is too frequently the case, the cultivators are 

 poor and in want of food, the Deviyanne-dqnaya, or offering 

 of the first-fruits of the harvest to the gods* is deferred 

 until after the New Rice Feast, though such action is 

 generally admitted to be irregular and only justified by 

 necessity. 



The Sangha-ddne or almsgiving to Buddhist priests, also 

 precedes or follows the New Rice Feast according to the 

 religious fervour of the goyiyd donor. f 



Timely intimation of the day appointed for " eating the 

 new rice" (alut-bat-kenia) is given to friends and relations. 

 On the day itself sufficient paddy having been previously 

 dried and husked, first by pounding on an ox or elk hide 

 (vi kotanawa) and finally in the usual wooden mortar ( hdl 

 pakinavd J, the resulting rice is cooked, as well as vegetables 

 and fish, none of which may be tasted during preparation. 

 The lucky moment for commencing to eat is marked by the 

 chief man of the house tasting the food ; after which he serves 

 those assembled and seated, with rice and curries upon 

 plantain leaves. 



D EVIYANNE— DANAYA. 



To name a suitable day for the Deviyanne-ddne, the feast 

 in honor of the gods, a Kapurala or Pattinihami is called in. 

 Upon the set day the house is well cleansed and the Devi- 

 yanne-vi taken out, divided into three portions, one of which is 



* Corresponding with the « Sing Bouga' of certain Hill Tribes of 

 India. " It is solemnised in August when the gord rice ripens, and till 

 the sacrifice is complete the new rice must not be eaten. The offering 

 in addition to rice is a white cock. This is a thanks-offering to the 

 Creator and Preserver. It is called 'Jumnama,' and considered of 

 great importance," 



The close similarity between the Sinhalese goyiyd? s offerings and the 

 sacrifices enjoined upon the Israelites at harvest time hy the Levitical 

 law will not fail to be remarked in the ensuing description of the Devi- 

 yanne ddne. 



f Note 8. 



