SECT. I.—Lunar Days.

The eighth, eleventh, fourteenth, and fifteenth lunar days, both of the increase and decrease of the moon in each month, are considered as fortunate days. At the full moon in Asharhŭ, Kartikŭ, Maghŭ, and Voishakhŭ, religious ceremonies are peculiarly meritorious, especially gifts to learned bramhŭns; but on the third lunar day in Voishakhŭ, their merit is imperishable. Bathing in the Ganges on the tenth lunar day in Jyoisht'hŭ, is extremely meritorious. The second lunar day in Asharhŭ, and the eleventh in Shravŭnŭ, are auspicious times for religious ceremonies. The performance of the shraddhŭ during the decrease of the moon in Bhadrŭ is a work of great merit. On the seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar days of Ashwinŭ, the eleventh in Kartikŭ, the fifth lunar day in Maghŭ, the thirteenth in Phalgoonŭ, and the seventh in Choitrŭ, and at the full moon in Poushŭ, very great benefits flow from religious acts. On all these days the Hindoos are particularly occupied in the different ceremonies of their religion.

SECT. II.—Weekly Ceremonies.

Some Hindoos fast every Sunday, and perform the worship of their guardian deity Sōōryŭ. Others, to fulfil a vow, fast on a Monday, performing the worship of Shivŭ. Others, who suppose themselves to be under the baneful influence of the planet Saturn, fast on a Saturday, and endeavour to propitiate this god by acts of devotion.