The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.126

v2.c17.126

5. *Dola Yātrā.* On this occasion the proxy is changed. Instead of Candraśekhara, an image of Harihara is made to represent the Lord of the Universe. Successively for six days before the full moon of Phālguna, the image is taken about the town in a richly decorated chair, amidst a great deal of singing and music, and on the afternoon of the last day entertained with swinging and the sprinkling of the *holi* or red powder. On the north side of the Great Tower, close by the northern gate, there is, outside the temple enclosure, a stone platform having in the centre two stone pillars with an arched architrave over it (See Plate XXX). From this architrave is suspended a chair, and on it the image is placed and gently swung, while the assembled multitude entertain themselves with singing obscene songs, and scattering red powder. The festivities last for several hours till 10 or 11 o’clock at night.