1833'.] QHgi'^i <ind Ceremonies of the. MoKurrvm.. 321 



tion of the sepulture of these saints or martyrs, these 

 Alums are washed, and flowers from fhe cofims, &c. are 

 deposited in the ground. I'his closes the mourning. 



I see no reason why these diiferent processions take 

 place :pn different nights and days unless Ihey do so for 

 tj^ conYe^ience of the parties engaged in the ceremonies. 



So much for the Alums. I shall now observe upaa 

 the. Mohurrum Fakeers. They are, cts I humbly con- 

 ceive^ no more than persons disguised as in a masque- 

 rade. They put cn Falleers' habits as emblems of 

 mourning, and consider themselves as recluses daring 

 the anniversary. But the fact is, that they are no more 

 recluses than the spirited masqueraders in the Madras 

 Pantheon. The principal Fakeers are, 



\st. J«j V Baniva (a Hindoostanee word — a kind of 

 dervise so called) his dress, generally speaking, con- 

 sist's of a kind of high stiff cap, a shirt and a piece of 

 cloth round his waist. He is adorned with beads, &c. 

 Has sword or stiek and sometimes a fan, in his hand. 

 He walks in a very stately manner v/iih all the gravity 

 of a monk. He sMutes every one he meet^3 and wishes 

 him prosperity. He frequently recites verses in honor 

 of the Imams. He is generally quiet and inoffensive. 

 He often treats people with all the Mahomedau 

 meekness and shews great humility. I'his religious per- 

 sonage declines taking any active part in the bustle of 

 the anniversary ; and his attention is apprtreutly engros- 

 sed by divine contemplation and particularly by the" 

 mournful adventures of the Imams or martyrs, though, 

 ^t' the time of his regular meal, he gives practical proof 

 of his adherence to the Arabian custom, that, one who 

 eats in company is to eat to the last, and is not to 

 off before othoia" a custom that the Friars and r>Ion^s 

 in Europe religiously observe according to the Cruholic 

 Canon " oportet vivere." _ J 



