The World of Courtesans c5.52

c5.52

Frequent holidays also gave an opportunity to the people to enjoy life without restraint. The musicians naturally played an important part in such festivals. Even the poor folk donned new garments. Men went to the fairs accompanied by their wives. They brought flowers, perfumes and drinks. The Kartika festival was held on the full moon day of the Kartika month when the king went round the city in a procession. On these occasions and specially during the drinking festivals (*suranakkhattam surachhano*) people enjoyed their drinks and ate good food. Besides the taverns (*surapana*) special drinking booths (*mandapam*) were erected. In all these revelries the courtesans and prostitutes played an important part.