CHAPTER IX.
SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS.
Scope of this Chapter.
431. In the instructions issued to the Commission by the Government of India,
reference is made to the use of hemp drugs among
fakirs and ascetics who are held in veneration by
large classes of the people, and to the custom, which is believed to obtain to a
large extent in Bengal, of offering an infusion of bhang to every guest and
member of the family on the last day of the Durga Puja. The Commission
were instructed to ascertain to what extent these and similar customs prevail in
Bengal and other parts of India, and how far the use of hemp drugs forms a part
of social, or possibly religious, ceremonial or observance. Questions 32 and 33
of the Commission's questions were intended to elicit information on these points.
Bengal.
432. In Bengal there is a considerable body of evidence dealing with these
customs, and more particularly with the custom of
offering an infusion of bhang on the last day of the
Durga Puja. Some few witnesses, it is true, state either that no social or religi-
ous custom with which hemp drugs are connected exists, or that they are unaware
of any such custom; but the great majority of the witnesses either give an
account of them more or less full, or allude to them briefly as matters of common
notoriety.
Durga Puja.
433. The custom of offering an infusion of the leaves of the hemp plant to
every guest and member of the family on the Bijoya
Dasami, or last day of the Durga Puja, is common
in Bengal, and may almost be said to be universal. It is alluded to by many of
the witnesses who refer to its use on this occasion as well as on other days of
the Durga Puja festival. But, while there can be no doubt as to the existence
of the custom, there is considerable divergence of opinion as to the true nature
of it. The custom itself is a simple one. On the last day of this great festival
the male members of the family go forth to consign the image to the waters,
and on their return the whole family with their guests exchange greetings
and embrace one another. During this rejoicing a cup containing an infu-
sion of the leaves of the hemp plant is handed round, and all are expected
to partake thereof, or at least to place it to the lips in token of acceptance.
Sweetmeats containing hemp are also distributed. Opinion is almost equally
divided as to whether the custom is a mere social observance, or whether it is
an essential part of the religious ceremonial of the festival. There is difference
of opinion among the witnesses as to whether there is any injunction in the
Shastras rendering obligatory the consumption of hemp; but Tantric religious
works sanction the use, and the custom, whatever be its origin, may now be
said from immemorial usage to be regarded by many people as part of their religious
observances. From the evidence of the witnesses it would appear that there is
no specific direction in the Shastras of the manner in which the drug should be
used, but from the references quoted it would appear that the use alluded to is
that of bhang in the form of an infusion. Witnesses who can speak with authority
on the subject, such as Mahamahopadhya Mahesa Chandra Nyayaratna, C.I.E.,
Principal of the Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta, testify to religious sanction
for the use of bhang or siddhi, while many witnesses of high social position, well