The Inner Conflict of Tradition: Essays in Indian Ritual, Kingship, and Society c13.s1.29

c13.s1.29

Viewed in this light, the nature of the guilt and expiation here is clear. The varuṇapraghāsa, or rather, the festival that lies at its root, signifies the turning point between the season of violent strife and the season of settled life and harmony. The people that have gone out to lead an irregular life outside the settled community are now reintegrated into the community and brought again under the sway of its norms.