Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 203

THE FIRST DAY'S CEREMONIES
163
The sacrifice to Vigneshwara ended, the master of the
house presents betel-nut to the Brahmins, and then they
all proceed to make their ablutions.
On their return, the
neophyte is made to sit on a raised platform of earth in
the centre of the pandal. The married women chant
sacred songs, while they proceed to adorn him as for the
ceremony of the chaula, though on this occasion the gar-
ments are even richer and more costly and finally they
delicately pencil his eyelids with antimony l
His toilette finished, the father and mother of the can-
didate seat themselves by his side on the dais, and the
women perform the ceremony of the aratti. Puja is offered
to the household gods, and for neiveddya, or votive offering,
;
.
portions of
aside.
all
the dishes prepared for the feast are set
The guests then seat themselves on the ground,
in
rows, the women placing themselves so as not to be seen
by the men. The women belonging to the household bring
in the rice and the various dishes which have been prepared
for the feast, helping everything with their fingers, the use
of spoons being unknown amongst them.
Each guest
receives his portion on a banana leaf, or on other leaves
sewn together, which are never used more than once.
When the meal is over, betel and areca-nut are distributed,
and the guests then separate.
The following day is called the muhurta, or great day
it is that on which the actual investiture takes place.
The guests are invited to reassemble as on the preceding
day.
The would-be recipient is seated on the dais, between
his father and mother, all three having their faces turned
towards the east. His loins are girt with a pure cotton
cloth, that is to say, either a new one, or at least one that
;
'
women perform
has been newly washed 2
The married
his toilette, singing all the while.
.
1
'
a kind of ointment formerly used by other nations.
It is
practice amongst the people of India to ornament the
faces of their children with it.
Courtesans and beauties, too, often use
it.
It certainly enhances the brilliancy of the eyes, and is a pleasing
addition to a handsome face.
Dubois.
2
It is not only on this occasion that a ' pure
cloth is obligatory.
Each time that a Brahmin bathes he washes his clothing, to purify it.
still
This
a
is
common
'
Dubois.