and Karle are the most regarded by
the people. I will speak of Durga first. Of all the festivals in Eastern
India, hers is the most celebrated. She has ten hands, in which she
holds an iron club, a trident, a battle-axe, spears, thunderbolts, etc.
Thus armed, she is ever ready to fight with her enemies.

Were you to be present in the city of Calcutta in the month of
September, you might everywhere see the people busy in preparing for the
yearly festival of this goddess. Images representing her you would find
in great numbers for sale, as bread or meat is sold. In the houses of
the rich, images are to be found made of gold, silver, brass, copper,
crystal, stone, or mixed metal, which are daily worshipped. These are
called permanent images. Besides these, multitudes of what are called
temporary images are made--made merely for the occasion and then
destroyed. They may be made of hay, sticks, clay, wood, or other such
things. Their size varies from a few inches to twenty feet in height. If
any persons are too poor to buy one of these images, they can make them
for themselves. When the festival is near at hand, people are seen in
every direction taking the images to their houses. After they are thus
supplied, the festival commences. It lasts fifteen days. The greater
part of this time is spent in preparing for the three great days of
worship. Early on the morning of the first of the three great days, the
Brahmins proceed to consecrate the images, or to give them, as they
suppose, life and understanding. Until they are consecrated, they are
not thought to be of any value. They are looked upon as senseless. A
wealthy family can always receive the services of one or more Brahmins,
and a few of the poor may unite and secure the services of one of them.
At length the solemn hour arrives. The Brahmin, with the leaves of a
sacred tree, comes near the image. With the two forefingers of his
right hand he touches the breast, the two cheeks, the eyes, and the
forehead of the image, at each touch saying the prayer, "Let the spirit
of Durga descend and take possession of this image." By such ceremonies,
and by repeating various _muntrums_, it is supposed that the Brahmins
have the power to bring down the goddess to take possession of the
image. Having been thus consecrated, it is believed to be a proper
object of worship. Having eyes, it can now behold every act of worship
which is made; having ears, it can be delighted with music and w