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,
