Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c27.s4.t2.52

v2.c27.s4.t2.52

The Jaljātra Festival.—The 14th (Sudi), or 29th, is another solemn festival in honour of Vishnu. It is called the Jaljatra, from being performed on the water (*jal*). The Rana, chiefs, ministers, and citizens go in procession to the lake, and adore the “ spirit of the waters,” on which floating lights are placed, and the whole surface is illuminated by a grand display of pyrotechny. On this day “ Vishnu rises from his slumber of four [599] months ” ;³ a figurative expression to denote the sun’s emerging from the cloudy months of the periodical flood.