Storia do Mogor 281.22.2

281.22.2

It began a little after nine o'clock in the evening without any preceding form of devotion. It had more the style of a play, as have all the processions and marriages of the Hindus and Mahomedans, and was not at all like a devout Christian function. A new spectacle was afforded us : Christian piety changed into cries, into torch illuminations, into rockets and other fireworks made with powder of sulphur and 'chanffre.' It is true that the cross was in the first place, but so smothered in flowers that it was impossible to see it. To this I must add that in the previous year it did not appear at all, probably not to shock these recent Christians of new manufacture. The statue of the Virgin was in the procession, but surrounded by parasols, while several persons fanned it, and drove off the flies with handkerchiefs. A number of Christians and Hindus followed, just as you see them follow in a marriage, and in no order. The former (the Christians) joined because they had no real devoutness ; the latter (the Hindus), because they held the image to be that of Bagavaty (Bhagavati) and of Ram. As to the history of these gods, the reader will be pleased to learn something, however ridiculous it may be.