Indian Antiquary Vol 35

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 99

MARCH, 1906.)
THE CHURRAS.
When the boy is taken off the basket they bind & ganna (ornament) or kangna (bracelet) on his wrist, which consists of an iron ring, a cowrie, and a manka (string) of kach (glass) beads. They put & knife into his hand at the same time. All this is to keep off the evil spirits. The same operation is performed on the girl by her friends; only she puts on a kangni (wrist ornament) or chúri (bracelet) of iron, instead of taking a knife in her hand,
Betrothal takes place at any time from five years of age and upward, the consent of the parents only being necessary. If the betrothal is cancelled, the painch arranges the amount to be repaid, and recovere' it.
When the wedding day approaches, a big dinner is given in the boy's home on a Wednesday, the entertainment extending to Thursday morning. This is called me.
The bharjái, or other relative, with his wife, goes to the well for a jar of water, which they carry between them. With this water the nat washes the bridegroom on a basket. His hair is washed with buttermilk and oil. Seven chapniai, unburnt earthen plates, are placed before him. These he breaks with his feet. His uncle on the mother's side gives him a cow, &c., and the bride's uncle gives the same to her. The bridegroom puts on his new clothes, the old ones being appropriated by the na.
The uncles bing.
Pahin kapre, malla vd, pahin kapre, Têrê janj savete apre. Pahin lungian, malla vé, pahin lungids. Térián sabbé muridin punnidn. Terian sabbô muradan punnian. Pahin lache, malla vé, pahin lache. Térd kaj savaran chaché, &c. Charh ghorí, malla né, charh ghôn. Téré mil bharăvân di jórf.
1 Dress, beloved, dress,
That your marriage party may arrive early. Put on your turban, beloved, put it on. May all your wishes be gratified, May all your desires be gratified. Gird yourself, beloved, gird yourself. Your uncles will grace the marriage. Mount your mare, beloved, mount your mare. With you are your two brothers
The bridegroom's sister singa and gives him his clothes.
The bridegroom's sister sings.
Méré armá bábé jáya. Taió carbigo núp sauậga. 74 pahin, main mul dónian. Bahô uchche, má té páo nd puchhké. Charh ghóraye, teré nal bharaván di joriye. Malla, wikkå nikka mut Bahin katiyd vi malla, Nikka, nikka süt Téré pagga aya rúp. Máà thôk Maya. Ti pahint, main mul deniári. Tu pahin layá vé, Méré amma bâbé jaya Tainú chashiya rüp sadaya. W& dal kangna ve! Ve tür lothré désôn acón ? Késar sohnid ve ! Ná ragas kaforé páéón.
My own brother, my parents' child, Your handsome appearance is enhanced. Dress yourself, I will pay for the dress. Seat yoursell with leave of father and mother. Mount your mare, with your two brothers. Beloved, fine threads spun by your sister Have made your turban beautiful, With fine thread, Your turban is beautiful. My mother had it woven, Put it on, I will pay. You have put it on, Son of my father and mother, How beautiful you look. O Saffron, Saffron ! Where have you come from? O Saffron, beautiful Saffron ! The barber prepared you in the cup