254 REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. [APP.

and Mymensingh districts, and the worship soon became popular. In fact it spread like wild-
fire from one village to another among the ganja-smokers. Those that were not in the
habit of consuming ganja also followed their example.

The following circumstances assisted the spread of the worship:—

I.—The puja is open to all classes from Brahmans to Chandals and to the rich and the
poor. Caste does not stand in its way, and it may be performed almost every day and in
all seasons.

II.—The puja is a Manasik Puja (made in pursuance of a vow on the fulfilment of the
object desired). People have been led to believe that Trinath possesses the power of healing
the sick and fulfilling desires, and that those who neglect his worship meet with disgrace,
while those who observe it attain success in life. There are several stories in the Panchali
narrated in illustration of this statement. It is also popularly believed that in the house
where Trinath is worshipped cold, fever and headache do not appear.

III.—This is a cheap form of worship. The puja can be performed by even the poorest,
only three pice being required.

IV.—People of the lowest class can mix with those above them without distinction of
caste or creed on the occasion of these pujas.

V.—Ganja can be consumed by all in the name of a god, and the practice cannot be
looked down upon, because it is done under certain forms and religious ceremonies. It is also
popularly believed that those who mock the worshippers of Trinath shall be ruined and shall
be the victims of misfortune.

The worship prevails not only among the poor, but also among the well-to-do. The
latter often entertain their friends after the puja.

Women do not take any active part in the worship, but they often listen to the reading
of the Panchali.

The worship is more or less general in the following districts:—(1) Dacca, (2) Mymen-
singh, (3) Faridpur, (4) Backergunge, (5) Noakhali, (6) Tippera, (7) Chittagong, (8)
Bogra, (9) Sylhet, and (10) Pabna (Serajganj side).

The worship is on the decline. It is almost dying out among the educated bhodrolokes,
but among the masses it still exists.

I have ascertained the above facts from Dr. Chandra Sekhar Kali (brother of the origi-
nator, Ananda Chandra Kali) and many other respectable persons, and also from personal
enquiries in the Dacca, Chittagong and Rajshahi divisions.