*04 Mode of Gods
ance with the Hindu customs but now they have taken to "the
traditional Hindu customary laws.
As is expected, we find that some of these Hinduised Bhotias
still worship Tibetan deities, for instance the Nikhurpas worship
the god Dhurma. This deity is specially sought after in the rainy
season when the people have tired of a long spell of hot weather,
and hope by propitiation of the god to effect a change in the
prevailing climatic conditions. Two poles are fastened in the
ground, to the top of one is fixed an iron or brass trident sur-
mounted by a yak's tail, and to the top of the other an image of
a man's head; throughout the ceremony of worship music is play-
ed and finally a goat is slaughtered. Meanwhile, the devotees are
anxiously awaiting the moment when the god will manifest him-
self by taking possession of one of the throng. Suddenly some
man is seized by the religious frenzy and rushing forward drinks
the blood of the goat, and in this ecstatic state dances round the
people, and finally climbing the pole which holds the idol he
Imprints a blood kiss on the mouth of the deity.
Migratory scenes
One peculiar scene of course very interesting in the hills in
general and in this valley in particular during winter is of large
number of families moving down from the hills, with their fami-
lies and household goods to the Bhabar. Some characteristic
touches of the native life are to be observed. The wives of the
men especially if they have passed their youth, are seen carrying
fairly heavy loads and walking before or else behind their lords
and masters, who never walk with them, but always at a little
distance. This is the invariable etiquette.
Sometimes, women mounted on a mule or pony, seated usually
on some portion of the household stuff. Chubby infants are also
seen tied up and supported on the luggage animals, or seated
astride of their father's or mother's side as the latter walk along.
A different class of traveller on this road of the same season
of the year are the Bhotias from the snowy regions in the north
of the province, bringing down their loads of wool, etc. to the
depots, at the foot of the hills. They drive before them long
strings of sheep and goats, each loaded with a double pannier of
cloth (karboga) protected with leather. These traders use to