Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c27.s4.26

v2.c27.s4.26

The 10th, or Dasahra,² is a festival universally known in India, and respected by all classes, although entirely military, being commemorative of the day on which the deified Rama commenced his expedition to Lanka for the redemption of Sita;³ the ‘tenth of Asoj’ is consequently deemed by the Rajput a fortunate day for warlike enterprise. The day commences with a visit from the [587] prince or chieftain to his spiritual guide. Tents and carpets are prepared at the Chaugan or Matachal mount, where the artillery is sent; and in the afternoon the Rana, his chiefs, and their retainers repair to the field of Mars, worship the khejra tree,⁴ liberate the nilkanth or jay (sacred to Rama), and return amidst a discharge of guns.