42 



Report on Bustar. [No. 11, new series. 



At the full moon of the same month when Rukshbundham or a 

 xed thread is tied to the arm of the goddess, and the same thread 

 is sent to the Rajah. 



At the 3rd increasing moon of Bhado, when new clothes are 

 given to the goddess. 



From 7th decreasing to the new moon of Katik, when every day 

 the goddess is bathed at day break with the water of Mata Talao 

 at Dhunteswarree, and worship is finished by 7 o'clock a. m. On 

 the new moon the goddess is adorned with ornaments and the doors 

 of the temple are open all day ; so that all may come and visit the 

 go !dess. Mukersunkrantee on this day sweetmeats are offered. 



Seo Ratree 14th decreasing moon of Phag, from the evening to 

 the day-break (7) seven times the worship of the goddess is per- 

 formed. Two new cloths are offered on that day to the goddess, 

 and three to Bhyro Deo. 



From 7th increasing to full moon of the same month. These 9 

 days the palanqueen of the goddess is taken to the Mata Talao at 

 3 o'clock p. m. On the last day new cloths are bestowed to all 



the servants of the goddess. 



In every month 2 new cloths are given to each of the two god- 

 desses. In Chait and at the Dussera new cloths are given to 

 Bhyro Deo. 



When any marriage is celebrated in the Rajah's house, or when 

 the Rajah first mounts his throne, the whole family of the Rajah 

 go to visit the goddess ; and at that time not less than 1,000 sheep 

 and buffaloes are sacrificed. This is called Cootoomba Jatra. 

 The jewels belonging to the idol are valued at about Rupees 15,000 

 and as formerly mentioned are worn by the Rajah during the Dus- 

 serah when he sits upon the Ruth. Temples containing representa- 

 tions of Dhunteswarree under the name of "Maolee" exist in almost 

 every village throughout Bustar. Her name is borne upon the 

 seals of the Rajah, and she is looked upon as the patron Saint of 

 the family and the dependency. 



18, My visit to Bustar has been so hurried that I have not ven- 

 Climate tured on any decided opinion with regard to 



he climate* It is true that those visiting the 



