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Encyclopedia of Religion entry forCar FestivalsThese festivals are now characteristic of Hinduism. They are processions in connection with the more important temples. That in connection with the Temple of Jagan-Hath is famous. On these occasions " the idols are placed on huge massive ears supported on four large solid wheels, not made, like our wheels, with spokes and felloes. A big beam serves as the axle, and supports the car proper, which is some-times fifty feet in height." The thick blocks forming the base have figures of men and women carved on them. " Several stages of carved planking are raised upon this basement, gradually diminishing in width until the whole fabric has the form of a pyramid." The car is decorated with garlands, etc., and the idol richly appareled and bedecked with jewels is placed in the middle of it under a canopy. The car is drawn by thick cables, more than a thousand persons sometimes being harnessed to it. Seated on the car, around the idol, are dancing-girls who fan the idol, and many other persons who guide the ear and spur on those who are dragging it. " The procession advances slowly. From time to time a halt is made, during which a most frightful uproar of shouts and cries and whistlings is kept up." The courtesans perform dances; and " as long as the procession continues, the drums, trumpets, and all sorts of musical instruments give forth their discordant sounds." And " finally, a great number of devotees crawl slowly before the car on hands and knees. Those who have nothing else to do shriek and shout so that even the thunder of the great Indra striking the giants would not be heard by them." See J. A. Dubois and H. K. Beauchamp. citations: Encyc. of Rel., Canney
article created 2006-04-12 , last updated 2006-04-12 |
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