Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/306

290 mixed following, he looks "a thing of shreds and patches." Altogether, the Sooni makes a most discreditable figure during the sacred season which he converts into a perfect Saturnalia. But he is little to blame, poor fellow. Government don't seem so anxious to dispel his mental fog, his own people won't wash and clean him. There is no Jamsetjee Jejibhoy institution for him. He has contrived to earn a bad name; and he can no easier get rid of it than can the dog in the proverb. He won't respect law, because he looks upon law as a hocus-pocus. Who interprets the law to him? It is rather unjust, therefore, to think Kasam is always rife for treason. Why, he cannot commit treason even if he wished, because he has no soul. I am quoting political philosophy. And as for judgment, why, sir, Kásam has not the judgment of a "malt horse." Sir, he has not so much as "a thought in his belly," so utterly barren he is. He will chat and strut bravely. I allow he will "pluck the moon out of her sphere if she let him."

 Perhaps the most popular, though certainly not at all reputable, of Gujarát holidays is the

Holi is not a holy institution wholly, but it is 