Page:Picturesque Nepal.djvu/307

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A PROCESSION OF GIFTS
197

and goodwill. These bearers are marshalled by soldiers and attendants on horseback, the leading man carrying a large silver candelabra, while the others of the front rank bear silver sticks, gold and silver goblets, and other valuable vessels. All these articles are carried on salvers draped with pink and green embroidered gauze coverings. Following the contingent entrusted with these precious utensils walk individuals in pairs, each holding a silver tray covered with the same coloured fabric, and containing all sorts of edibles such as sweetmeats, fruits, vegetables, and other delicacies of a like nature—great water-melons, huge bunches of bananas, and mounds of luscious peaches—the bearers groaning and perspiring under the weight of their offerings. After these march a similar group, but their burdens consist of various objects cunningly moulded in coloured sugar, such as castles and pavilions, summer-houses and pagodas, and all the picturesque habitations that man can conceive. These are succeeded by a file carrying horsemen and prancing chargers and all manner of gaily caparisoned steeds, each