Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 2.djvu/146

 Europe, and, as defending the most delicate part of the structure of the fair, it is peculiarly appropriate as an emblem of devotion."

The rākhī is not exclusively bestowed upon men; a woman may be distinguished by the honour, and would be publicly acknowledged and considered as the "bracelet-bound sister" of the donor.

The evening closed with the performances of some Mahratta nāch girls, after which I was allowed to depart, having first partaken of some sweetmeats, which they presented to me with a jar of dahī (curdled milk); the latter was excellent, and usually presented at this festival as the favourite food of the gopīs. I returned home late at night, accompanied as usual by the horsemen and torch-bearers of the Bāiza Bā'ī.

I have many idols, images of Krishn[)u], in divers forms; a description of which, with a sketch of his life, will be the best explanation of the scenes commemorated at the festival. He has many names, Krishn[)u], Heri, Kaniyā, and is worshipped under many forms; the idols represent this popular god through many of the events of his life.

KRISHN[)U] OR KANIYĀ.

Vishnū the Preserver descended on earth in the form of this god, for the purpose of bringing peace and happiness to all the world. Krishn[)u] is the most celebrated form of Vishnū, or, rather, Vishnū himself; and is distinct from the ten avatars or incarnations. Many of the Hindū gods govern their worshippers by fear; the dread of the vengeance of the deity ensures obedience. Krishn[)u] is the god of love and good-will: to bless mankind caused his descent from heaven; and after many years' sojourn upon earth for that holy purpose, he suddenly disappeared.

Such was his power over the affections, that no woman ever beheld Kaniyā-jee, but she left home and husband and children, and followed him throughout the world; no eye gazed upon him that loved him not; and to this day, the beautiful, warlike,