POONAH. 
119 
to the tree on the Dusserah, may be performed by every Hindoo of 
every cast, without the assistance of a Brahmin; neither is it neces- 
sary that any part of the person's clothes should be taken off. First, 
he throws a little water over the tree or branch. Jrie then throws 
on a few grains of rice. He next rubs on a little powdered sandal 
wood mixed in water. He then ornaments it with flowers. A little 
sugar, or any sweetmeat, and some betel nut, prepared in the 
usual manner, are then laid before the tree as olferings, and some is 
given to a poor Brahmin, who also takes the money laid before the 
tree. This concludes the ceremony, which is celebrated throughout 
the Hindoo governments. At Poonah, however, an addition is made, 
which is not ordered by any of their books. The Paishwa re- 
ceives a number of leaves from the bough, which he gives to his 
followers, and which they interchange, in imitation of the monkeys. 
His Highness afterwards holds a durbar, where nazurs of, from 
two to five, gold mohurs are presented, and in return he gives each 
a leaf. He also sends Khelauts and leaves to the Rajah of Sattarah, 
and Scindiah. The Brahmin could not say that there was any 
motive for, or effect assigned to, the exchange of leaves. I should 
suppose it was a kind of compact that they would assist each other 
in their approaching warfare. It took place in the evening, and it 
was nearly dark when we got home. 
October 14.— His Highness had fixed on this day to receive my 
visit of ceremony. The fortunate hour was about four o'clock; when, 
having received intelligence that the deputation from the durbar 
was on the opposite side of the river, we set off*. I was attended 
by the Colonel and suite, my own suite, and our suwarries. A sa- 
lute announced my departure. The Paishwa's minister for British 
