Note 34 — D.

Marriage. 10. The betrothal is solemnized as among the Bhuiyas by the exchange of platters of liquor between the parents of the parties. After this both salute in the form known as Râmrahâi.34 Notice is given of the day of the ceremony. This is called din dharna. The pair revolve round a branch of the siddh tree (Hardwickia binata), and a water jar (kalsa) fixed in the marriage shed (mânro). Before the procession starts, the bridegroom’s mother sprinkles some water over him with a branch of rice stalks, and waves the water jar over his head to keep off evil spirits. The binding part of the ceremony is the rubbing of red lead by the bridegroom on the head of the bride. After marriage the bridegroom has to eat rice and pulse (khichari) with the bride, and refuses to do so until he gets a calf or eight annas from his father-in-law. The bride walks behind the bridegroom on her way to his house, and is supposed to weep bitterly all the time. When she and her husband reach the door, they have to walk in over a series of baskets arranged in a double line, while the women sing the song of rejoicing (sohar). Then the bridegroom salutes his male relations outside the house. Inside, the bride, shading her breast with the corner of her sheet, touches the feet of the senior women, and they reply with the blessing tuhâr ahibât barhê—“May your husband live long.”