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.