CH. IX.] REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. 161
by these classes of the worshippers, but that these customs are so intimately con-
nected with their worship that they may be considered to form in some sense an
integral part of it.
Trinath.
436. The special form of worship by the followers of Siva, called the Trinath
or Tinnath Mela, in which the use of ganja is con-
sidered to be essential, is mentioned by many wit-
nesses, and deserves more than a passing notice. A full account of this religious
practice given by Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukharji will be found in Vol. III
Appendices of this Report. The origin of the rite, which it is said sprang up first
in Eastern Bengal, appears to be of recent date, about the year 1867. It appears
to be observed at all times and at all seasons by Hindus and Muhammadans
alike, the latter calling it Tinlakh Pir. When an object of special desire is fulfilled,
or when a person recovers from illness, or a son is born, or a marriage or other
ceremony is performed, the god Trinath, representing in one the Hindu trinity,
is worshipped. Originally one pice worth of ganja, one pice worth of oil, and
one pice worth of betel-nut was offered to the god. But now ganja—it may
be in large quantities—is proffered, and during the incantations and the perform-
ance of the ritual it is incumbent on all present to smoke. This form of worship
is shown to have spread extensively throughout Eastern Bengal and the Surma
Valley of Assam, and, according to one witness, it has penetrated even to Orissa.
On the other hand, there are a few witnesses who say [that the practice is
gradually dying out.
Muhammadans.
437. The use of hemp drugs is as a rule in no way connected with orthodox
Muhammadan observances, whether social or reli-
gious. The Muhammadan religion condemns such
practices.
Assam.
438. In Assam, where the use of hemp drugs is but little practised by the
Assamese proper, there appear to be no indigenous
customs connected with the drugs. But the cus-
toms prevailing in Bengal are also found in Assam. There is evidence as to
the use of bhang or siddhi at the Durga Puja, and of ganja by the worshippers
of Siva. In Sylhet the Trinath form of worship appears to prevail to a con-
siderable extent. With reference to this practice, one witness (Prasanno Kumar
Das) observes that " in the Surma Valley ganja is offered in the name of Pir
(Muhammadan saint) for the benefit of the cattle."
North-Western Provinces.
439. In the North-Western Provinces, where the celebration of the Durga
Puja is not so generally observed as in Bengal, a con-
siderable number of witnesses (some fifty in all) state
that there are no customs, religious or social, with which these drugs are con-
nected. But, on the other hand, there is overwhelming evidence to establish the
almost universal use by the people of bhang at the Holi festival, and some evid-
ence as to the common use of ganja by certain classes of the followers of Siva
at their festivals and seasons of worship. Of the witnesses who speak to the
use of ganja in connection with religious observances, 22 state that it is essential
and 92 that it is not essential. As to whether the use of bhang should be regarded
as a purely social custom or as essential to religious observance, the opinion
of witnesses who speak on the point is about equally divided. It is sufficient
41