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)

BUSSUND. 287

the ladies make and receive visits ; and the do-
menie attend to play and sing in the zeenahnah.
In short, the whole day is passed in cheerful
amusements, suited to the retirement of a zee-
nahnah and the habits of the people.

There is a festival observed at Lucknow
called Bussund (spring-colour). I should re-
mark here, that almost all the trees of India
have perpetual foliage, as the season approaches
for the new leaves to sprout, the young buds
force off the old leaves; and when the trees
are thus clothed in their first delicate foliage,
there is a yellow tinge in the colour which is
denominated Bussund (Spring). A day is ap-
pointed to be kept under this title, and then
every one wears the Bussund colour: no one
would be admitted at Court without this bad°-e
of the day. The elephants, horses and camels
of the King, or of his nobles, are all ornamented
with the same colour on their trappings.
. The King holds a Court, gives a public break-
fast, and exhibits sports with ferocious animals.