BO O T A N. 
J (5 2 
I understood From Poorungheer that the festival which now occupied 
the attention of the Booteeas, was the DurgaPooga, the great autumnal 
festival of the Hindoos. 
An effigy of Durga, in combat with the chief of the Raccusses, 
Soomne Soom, is exhibited during this period amidst a most gaudy 
group of evil genii, and auxiliary gods, forming a picture, in alto 
relievo, sufficient to fill the breadth of a large saloon, as shewy as 
brilliant colours, and tinsel ornaments can make it. This effigy is 
removed, on the last day at noon, and conveyed in procession to the 
Ganges, where Durga and her associates are committed all together to 
the deep. During this latter part of the festival, which is generally 
known in Calcutta by the appellation of the Nautches, the houses of the 
most opulent Hindoos, are open to European visitors, and constantly 
attract a prodigious concourse of company. 
This festival, which is one of the most famous among the Hindoos, 
gives occasion also in Bootan, to a great display of ingenuity. The 
representation is continued from the commencement to the close of the 
festival, which lasts, in the whole, ten days. It is here termed Mullaum. 
I was present only at the commencement of it, during the three first days, 
and, I am sorry to say, was too ignorant of their mythology, to under¬ 
stand thoroughly the meaning of the masque. The great court yard 
of the palace, was the scene of representation. The Daeb Raja with 
all the Gylongs, sat very gravely in the surrounding colonnade looking 
on. He politely provided us with seats, near himself. 
The grotesque figures that exhibited themselves in the combat 
formed altogether the most fantastic motley group, it is possible to 
