£0 



the goobah of the Deckan, who beseiged Gingee, chose this day 

 for the assault, being persuaded the besieged would not defend them* 

 selves and that he actually entered the place without meeting with 

 the least resistance. 



17. Makanavamy — The 9th day of the same fortnight on the 

 same month is set a part for devotion, bathing and reading certain 

 muntras. 



18. Vejaya Desen^ — On the tenth day of- the increasing moon 

 in the same month is the festival of Vejaya Desemi. This day is 

 set a part for amusement, and the arms which had been exposed the 

 preceding evening, are locked up. In the afternoon, the Godft 

 are carried out of the city or village in procession to hunt, accom- 

 panied by dancing girls and musicians, and fireworks are let off on 

 the occasion if the feast be in the evening. On this evening likewise 

 the Hindoos worship the Sumi tree, (Mimosa Suma), which they 

 beheve is efficacious in expiating their sins and in destroying their 

 enemies. 



19. Naraca Chaturdusi Deepauvelly — The 14th day of the de- 

 creasing moon in the same month is celebrated as a festival. It 

 is kept as a day of rejoicing in commemoration of the death of ai, 

 giant named Naracasoor, whom Vishnoo exterminated on account 

 of the mischief he had done to mankind. The ceremonies performed 

 on the occasion commence with the morning twihght when the 

 Hindoos anoint their heads with oil and bathe. The festival is 

 said to have been instituted by Vishnoo himself and that he declar- 

 ed that all who make this ablution, shall have the same merit as if 

 they had washed themselves in the ganges. The rest of the day 

 is passed in diversion. It is one of the greatest festivals held in 

 Guzerat, and in the Mahratta country. 



20. Cadary Goury Vrutum — This feast takes place at the time 

 of the new moon of the month Asweja and is one of the three 

 great feasts which after having been once celebrated, obliges the 

 person to continue the celebration every year. It is commemora- 

 ted in honor of the goddess Parvatee. Those who keep it observe 

 the demi fast and tie a yellow string on their right arm. 



21. Scanda shusti, — On the first day of the increasing moon 

 in the eighth month Cariica this feast commences and lasts for 

 seven days. It is celebrated in commemoration of the defeat of 

 Soora Pudma, a mighty giant whom the God Soobramanya (the 

 second son of Seevah) vanquished after a combat of six days. The 

 seventh day, the imag^e of the deity is carried in procession and i» 



