A History of the Mahrattas v1.c14.49

v1.c14.49

³ [The Dasahrā (Dussera), so called from dash (ten) and ahar (day), falls on the tenth day of the Navaratra, or Nine Nights' festival in honour of the goddess Mahādēvī, whose various manifestations and exploits are described in the Devī Mahātmya of the Mārkandeya Purān. The festival is also known as Durgotsava, i.e. Durgā's holiday. Celebrated at the beginning of October, which marks the close of the rains and the commencement of the cold season, the festival is of special importance among the princely and military classes. Ordinary Hindus regard the Dasahrā as auspicious for the commencement of any new business, and in Bombay children usually attend school for the first time on this day. Soldiers worship the weapons which they hope to use during the coming season; all Hindus worship the tools and implements of their calling; and couples who have been betrothed at an early age frequently begin living together on this day. I have seen the engine-room staff in a Bombay cotton-spinning mill garland and worship the engine on this occasion. Connected with the festival is the worship of the shami or apta (Prosopis spicigera), the leaves