Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 1) (London, 1832)

THE NAJOOM-EE. 69

fifth days of Mahurrum; they all partake of
one style,—some more splendid than others;
and the very poor people parade their ban-
ners, with, perhaps, no other accompaniment
than a single drum and fife, and the owner
supporting his own banner.

My next letter will contain the procession
of Mayndhie, which forms a grand feature of
Mahurrum display on the seventh night.

P.S.—The Najoomee are men generally with
some learning, who, for their supposed skill
in astrology, have, in all ages since Mahumud's
death, been more or less courted and venerated
by the Mussulmaun people;—I should say,
with those who have not the fear of God
stronger in their hearts than the love of the
world and its vanities;—the really religious
people discountenance the whole system and
pretended art of the astrologer.

It is wonderful the influence a Najoom ac-
quires in the houses of many great men in In-
dia;—wherever one of these idlers is entertain-
ed he is the oracle to be consulted on all occa-