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 MAYNDHIE PROCESSION. 381

lie cannot help himself, and it is an omen of
good to eat the bride's sweets at this ceremony,
they are sure he will try to catch the morsels
which they present to his mouth and then draw
back, teasing the youth with their banterings,
until at last he may successfully snap at the
candy, and seize the fingers also with the
dainty, to the general amusement of the whole
party and the youth's entire satisfaction.

The mayndhie supposed to have done its
duty, the bandages are removed ; his old unnah,
the nurse of his infancy (always retained for
life), assists him with water to wash off the
leaves, dries his feet and hands, rubs him with
otta, robes him in his bride's presents, and orna-
ments him with the guinah. Thus attired he
takes leave of his tormentors, sends respectful
messages to his bride's family, and bows his
way from their guardianship to the male apart-
ment, where he is greeted by a flourish of trum-
pets and the congratulations of the guests,
many of whom present nuzzas and embrace
him cordially.

The dinner is introduced at twelve, amongst