Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c27.s3.t1.42

v2.c27.s3.t1.42

Ancestor Worship.—On this day³ commences the worship of the ancestorial manes (the Pitrideva, or father-gods) of the Rajputs, which continues for fifteen days. The Rana goes to the cemetery at Ara, and performs at the cenotaph of each of his forefathers the rites enjoined, consisting of ablutions, prayers, and the hanging of garlands of flowers, and leaves sacred to the dead, on their monuments. Every chieftain does the same amongst the altars of the ‘ great ancients ’ (bara burha) ; or, if absent from their estates, they accompany their sovereign to Ara.