Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/275

Rh presented with a new harness, &c. Later on in the day the father and children go to a tree called sonpatra, worship it, pick or purchase a leaf of it, go to their friends, embrace them and get embraced (a regular bear-hug), return home, make a havana, feeding the fire with grain and ghee, partake of holiday dainties, making a sly compliment now and then to the poor drudge of a wife who waits upon her "lord" while at dinner, and then go to bed.

Twenty days after Dasará is Diwáli. It commences on the 12th of the dark part of the month. That day is Vágha Bárasa or Guru Dwádashi. The day after Bárasa is Dhan Teras or Dhan Trayodashi, when the merchant brings together his hoards into one room, and after gloating over the heap, offers prayers to it, sprinkles it with red ochre, and kneeling, requests the presiding deity not to take unto her wings. The deity presiding over wealth is Lakshmi. Then come Káli Chondasa or Narka chaturdashi, observed in honour of Vishnu's victory over Narakásura. The most effective illumination is generally on this day. The