The public worship is more often engaged in by one family or a group of related families. In this worship an earthen image is made which is allowed to fall to pieces in sun and rain afterwards. The head of the family acts as priest. The pots and ropes are taken to the water and they are left there all night. In the morning the family head summons all the relatives. A sheep is sacrificed. Thereafter a muggu is made on the ground and another sheep is sacrificed. The ropes and pots are taken from the water and carried in procession through the village. When the house is reached another sheep is sacrificed. The person who executes cuts the throat and then takes it by the rear legs; he swings it around several times. This is offered to the evil spirits which may be hovering in the air. It is hoped that after being appeased they will not attempt to enter the house. The people enter the house and worship the earthen image of Dilli Polasi. Now the story is told and if the family is able to hire a story-teller of ability it may continue for many days. |