Sherring, Matthew A.: The sacred city of the Hindus: an account of Benares in ancient and modern times (London, 1868)

BENARES, PAST AND PRESENT.

229

the nigM on the river, in large boats, some of which
are beautifully decorated, where dancing and singing
go on for hours. The scene is exceedingly picturesque;
and its effect is much heightened by the brilliant lights
on the large boats. The festival continues till the
evening of Wednesday, and was originally called Bud-
dhuwa Mangal (Budh, Wednesday), but is now corrupted
into Burwa Mangal.

40. The Dangal Mela, held at the temple of Jagan-
nath and at Bamnagar, on the Thursday following the
Burwa Mangal. This, too, is a singing and dancing
festival. Singing parties proceed to the temple, ac-
companied by crowds of listeners; and boats, laden
with people, attended by singing and dancing girls,
row about the river, proceeding as far as Bamnagar.
This meld is of recent date.