She is given by way of insignia a cane as a wand carried in the right hand, and a gopalam or begging basket, which is slung on the left arm. She is then branded with the emblems of the chank and chakra. In another account [68] of the marriage ceremony among dancing-girls, it is stated that the Bogams, who are without exception prostitutes, though they are not allowed to marry, go through a marriage ceremony, which is rather a costly one. Sometimes a wealthy Native bears the expense, makes large presents to the bride, and receives her first favours. Where no such opportunity offers itself, a sword or other weapon represents the bridegroom, and an imaginary nuptial ceremony is performed. Should the Bogam woman have no daughter, she invariably adopts one, usually paying a price for her, the Kaikola (weaver) caste being the ordinary one from which to take a child. Among the Kaikolan musicians of Coimbatore, at least one girl in every family should be set apart for the temple service, and she is instructed in music and dancing. At the tali-tying ceremony she is decorated with jewels, and made to stand on a heap of paddy (unhusked rice). A folded cloth is held before her by two Dasis, who also stand on heaps of paddy. The girl catches hold of the cloth, and her dancing master, who is seated behind her, grasping her legs, moves them up and down in time with the music which is played. In the evening she is taken, astride a pony, to the temple, where a new cloth for the idol, the tali, and other articles required for doing puja (worship) have been got ready. The girl is seated facing the idol, and the officiating Brahman gives sandal and flowers to her, and ties the tali, which has been lying at the feet of the idol, round her neck. The tali consists of a golden disc and black beads. She continues to learn music and dancing, and eventually goes through the form of a nuptial ceremony, The relations are invited on an auspicious day, and the maternal uncle, or his representative, ties a golden band on the girl's forehead, and, carrying her, places her on a plank before the assembled guests. A Brahman priest recites mantrams (prayers), and prepares the sacred fire (homam). For the actual nuptials a rich Brahman, if possible, and, if not, a Brahman of more lowly status is invited. A Brahman is called in, as he is next in importance to, and the representative of, the idol. As a Dasi can never become a widow, the beads in her tali are considered to bring good luck to women who wear them. And some people send the tali required for a marriage to a Dasi, who prepares the string for it, and attaches to it black beads from her own tali. A Dasi is also deputed to walk at the head of Hindu marriage processions. Married women do not like to do this, as they are not proof against evil omens, which the procession may meet. And it is believed that Dasis, to whom widowhood is unknown, possess the power of warding off the effects of inauspicious omens. It