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festivals are held, and by their unnatural modes of living during such seasons of
festivity. The interests of the managers of Hindu Temples are frequently adverse
to those of the Government, in dealing with the dangers which arise in regard to
cholera invasion. The pecuniary interest of the temple authorities are at stake in
inducing large gatherings of people at their periodical festivals, irrespective of
the presence or absence of epidemic disease in the district. It would be to the
interests of the State, and of the people themselves, to prevent such assemblages in
seasons of epidemic sickness. It is now practicable to forecast, with tolerable
accuracy, the results, as regards cholera outbreaks, at these annual festivals in
the several districts, and it seems to me that the time is fast approaching when
the subject may be dealt with by the Legislature, in such a way as to compel
the parties interested in keeping up the system of pilgrimages to take upon
themselves the responsibilities of sanitary provision for the assembled masses,
and to enable the Government, on sufficient cause being shown, to forbid alto-
gether the holding of festivals, in seasons when the public safety is likely to be
endangered.
209. If Mr. Overbury's remarks, quoted below, in any way represent the
true feeling of the better educated of the Hindu community, they must be,
in a measure, prepared to welcome State interference in a matter of the
gravest significance as regards public health.
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10. " From this brief history it is shown, beyond all doubt, that we are indebted to Conjeeveram
festival for our recent loss of life by cholera. Were this, however, inaccurate in the particular case
of Tripatore, I speak from experience of former years in this district, Cuddapah, and elsewhere, that
Tripatty and Conjeeveram are the originators of this pestilence.
Festival.
11. " There are two festivals annually held in my division, at Tirtamallay and at Irulapatti.
At each about 2,000 persons congregated. The frequenters are Vellalas,
Pallees, and beggars.
Prevention of cholera.
12. " I cannot say that there is no cholera which is endemic, but I can safely affirm that it is
chiefly epidemic. The only cure is the abolition of the festivals of Conjee-
veram and Tripatty. And this I would request of you to urge on Govern-
ment. From frequent conversations with the Natives, and from observation, I am convinced these
festivals are losing their characteristics as religious ceremonies ; they are regarded by most in the
light of fairs, and by beggars as a profitable lounge. Natives who are educated and wealthy rarely
attend. As for the minor festivals, such as those held in my division, I would not suggest their
abolition, as they are sufficiently rapidly, of their own accord, dying a natural death.
13. " With regard to the two larger festivals, however, the Natives are becoming aware of the
concomitant evils which follow in their train, and the wiser of them stay at home. By their
abolition, the sacred character of the locality in the eye of the Hindoos could in no way be impaired,
as the May festival might be celebrated as before, the concourse of people at one spot only forbidden.
14. " Should, however, the Government decline to sanction their abolition, a strict quarantine,
perpetually established at these places, superintended by Medical Subordinates, and paid for out of
the Devastanum funds, should bo rigorously insisted upon, as it is inconsistent with civilization that
a surging wave of sickness should be annually propagated for the gratification, of the few."