| The
cows and bullocks are bathed and their horns are polished and
painted with bright colors. Glittering gold dusting is applied over
these colors. They are decorated with flowers, garlands and bells.
New ropes are used to handle them. All the cattle along with their
handlers are assembled in the evening in a central place in the
village or town.
They are then organized into a
procession led by musicians playing pipes and drums. A huge fire is
built along the way at an intersection and the cattle one by one are
led to jump over the fire together with the persons goading them.
Both man and animal symbolically come
through the fire as it were, signifying a triumph. They are now
ready for a new season with all the evils warded off. Thus man
worships the animals, expresses his gratitude and demonstrates a
harmony with nature.
|
